EMFA
From 25-27 May, Estonian honorary consuls from around the globe will be in Tallinn to attend the 6th Conference of Estonian Honorary Consuls.

During the three-day conference President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Riigikogu Speaker Ene Ergma, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, and Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will speak to the honorary consuls about developments in Estonia’s social and economic policy as well as issues related to foreign policy. Foreign Ministry diplomats will also give lectures on the Foreign Ministry’s activities and changes in the consular realm during the conference.

The honorary consuls will visit the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ICT Demo Centre, and Technopol. In addition, the honorary consuls are scheduled to visit the Straw Theatre and KUMU Art Museum, as well as meet with representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Tallinn Capital of Culture 2011, and Enterprise Estonia.

Currently Estonia has a total of 139 honorary consuls in 62 countries. Honorary consuls are well-known and respected individuals in their local area who wish to use their knowledge and skills to promote relations between Estonia and their native country in the business, cultural, and other sectors. Estonian honorary consuls have very diverse backgrounds. Many of them are active in business, both as entrepreneurs and as consultants, and many are also prominent figures in education, law, or culture. Honorary consuls are not compensated by the Estonian government for their work.

With the help of honorary consuls, Estonian citizens are able to get consular aid and services all over the world. Their work in promoting the political, economic, cultural, educational, and other important sectors is also noteworthy. Thanks to the global network of honorary consuls, Estonia is represented even in faraway regions like Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Taking into consideration Estonians’ love for travel and adventure, it is extremely important that Estonian citizens have access to aid and advice even in those countries where Estonia does not have a diplomatic representation, and that those in need would not have to travel very far to get aid. This is why we continue to develop our network of honorary consuls.

This year the honorary consul conference is taking place for the sixth time.

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