Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna’s year-end address to Estonians around the world
The world is going through a difficult time. Living far away from home during critical times is sure to stir various feelings but let us keep our heads clear and hearts warm. In Europe, Ukrainians have been fighting for more than 1000 days for their right to exist as a state within its internationally recognized borders. They have been extremely brave but they have paid for it with their lives, blood, and tears. One may assume that only events in Ukraine are affecting Estonia geographically because they are happening in Europe and the aggressor is our neighbor in the east. Yes, it does affect us very directly and Estonia has made great international efforts to make the war as costly as possible for the aggressor and ensure that Ukraine gets military and other assistance as quickly as possible. However, in reality, we are affected by all crises around the world: the active conflict in the Middle East that has raged on for more than a year; tensions in Africa, and the recent hopeful news about the toppling of the dictator in Syria. The crises and conflicts the world is facing are closely linked – because the world is more interconnected than ever.
How does that concern Estonians abroad? Quite directly because Estonia’s profile and positive image is one of Estonia’s security guarantees. In addition to Estonia’s official foreign policy and classical diplomacy, citizen diplomacy has an important role in creating and maintaining this image. I consider every person – whether a student, builder, doctor, startupper or scientist – a citizen diplomat who tells their friends and colleagues abroad about Estonia. Or, they are so likable and successful in their work and they so distinctly identify as Estonian that it immediately has a positive effect on people’s awareness and impression of Estonia. The work of a citizen diplomat is on a voluntary basis and without pay, so I am happy to see the passion of my compatriots in this role.
Every year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes citizen diplomats who have raised Estonia’s profile. This year, I signed 19 letters of appreciation for citizen diplomacy on Citizen’s Day. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize you all. I am saying this as someone who cares deeply about Estonia, but above all, I am saying this as Estonia’s Foreign Minister because citizen diplomats are of great help in the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies. I would like to thank all the people who are successfully engaging in citizen diplomacy but who have not received a letter of appreciation yet: we simply do not know your names and may never know them. However, I want you to know that Estonia will always be grateful for your work and it has a specific impact that perhaps cannot be measured by metrics but it contributes to our security, prosperity and well-being. Because there is no specific way to be Estonian: everyone has their own path, vision and journey in life.
This Christmas month began with an event of great hope and symbolism: one of the greatest landmarks of Western culture, the Notre Dame de Paris, rose from the ashes. It is an honor for Estonia that as a donation of Estonia’s Church Fund and entrepreneurs, the Estonia grand piano now has a worthy place in the church. It is not a coincidence that in addition to cultural and religious circles, many political leaders attended the event, including Estonia’s head of state Alar Karis. The message from Paris was strong: the consequences of accidents can be mended, just as it is possible to rebuild countries destroyed by war, and heal people whose bodies and souls have been damaged. The fact that we can heal, recover and move on has been proven by history on numerous occasions and Estonia’s history is a testament to this. The suffering remains in our souls and collective memory but it also helps us empathise as a state and nation with what others have to go through.
This thought led me to a sentence written by our Consul General Ernst Jaakson in 1969 in New York when the US space agency NASA asked heads of states to write goodwill messages that US astronauts could take to the Moon. Estonia was occupied but thanks to the policy of non-recognition of the United States and the United Kingdom, Estonia continued to exist in the world as the Consulate General in New York and the Estonian Embassy in London, and Ernst Jaakson was the official representative of the Republic of Estonia. This was certainly no light task and came with great responsibility but he did indeed write a message on behalf of the Estonian people. July 21, 1969 was the historic moment when the first human stepped on the Moon and the messages from 73 countries that the team of astronauts of Apollo 11 took with them included Estonia’s message written by Jaakson. The messages were engraved microscopically on a small silicon disk with the statements by four US presidents.
The message written by Ernst Jaakson on behalf of the Republic of Estonia was as follows: “The people of Estonia join those who hope and work for freedom and a better world.” There is no better way to articulate the guiding principles for Estonia now, at the turn of 2024 and 2025, so let us join in this beautiful message at the end of the year. Let it reach across the world to all places where Estonians, their families and friends live.
I wish you a beautiful Christmas, whether you celebrate it the Estonian way or follow the traditions of some other wonderful country.
Margus Tsahkna
Estonian Foreign Minister
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