Joint statement on the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Estonia
In February 2021, Portugal and Estonia celebrate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This moment of celebration takes place during especially challenging times for the international community. In this context, Portugal and Estonia value with particular appreciation the strong and long lasting bonds of friendship and cooperation.
Portugal recognised Estonia de facto in 1918 and de jure on 3 February 1921, and has ever since acknowledged Estonia’s sovereignty, which was then reconfirmed by Portugal’s recognition of Estonia on 27 August 1991 and the re-establishment of diplomatic relations on 1 October 1991.
Over the last century, both countries have faced formidable political, social and economic challenges that Portugal and Estonia managed to overcome through the unwavering determination of its peoples. They have persevered and joined the common European family represented by the EU. It is therefore also an encouraging coincidence that the celebration of the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations takes place during the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Today, Portugal and Estonia share several priorities, ranging from fighting climate change to the digital transformation of their societies while promoting a European Social model based on solidarity and convergence. There are multiple areas of common interest where both countries have already established a solid basis for collaboration such as e governance and cybersecurity, as well as security and defence cooperation. Our countries are keen to further develop shared interests such as increasing cultural exchanges, particularly in the area of heritage tourism, and deepening scientific cooperation between research institutions of both countries. The recent high-level visits in recent years, namely the State Visit by H.E. the President of Estonia to Portugal in 2019 and the visit of H.E. the Minister of Defence of Portugal to Estonia in 2020 are a further testimony to the excellent political bilateral relations between our countries.
On this date, Portugal and Estonia wish to reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations at the political, economic and cultural levels, as well as to the reinforcement of our cooperation in the context of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other international multilateral fora where both our countries already have a strong track record of close and fruitful cooperation.
February 3, 2021
We have prepared a timeline of the relationship between Estonia and Portugal for the jubilee. This is a chronological gallery of historical photos, documents and texts, which gives an overview of the unique and important moments in the relationship between the two countries over a period of 100 years: https://lisbon.mfa.ee/estonia-and-portugal-diplomatic-relations-100
Enjoy the journey through time!