26.11.2014
Today, on the occasion of Citizens Day, Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus is presenting certificates of honour to civil diplomats who have made a great personal contribution to introducing Estonia in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Russia, the United Kingdom and elsewhere around the globe.
According to Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Estonia highly appreciates every person's contribution to increasing the influence of the country's foreign policy, maintaining a good reputation and preserving the Estonian language and culture abroad. "Estonia's renomé and good reputation is also an important guarantee of security, among other things. The more good friends we have throughout the world, the stronger the country feels. The best way to achieve this, is to build an Estonian state that we ourselves love and appreciate in such a way, that it shows afar," Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus stressed. "Thank you to all those who have contributed to this," the Foreign Minister added, and encouraged everyone to become active in the area of civil diplomacy.
This is the fifth time that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is presenting certificates of honour on Citizens Day. Certificates of honour are presented to people who, on a voluntary basis, have contributed to creating a positive image of Estonia in their home country for an extended period in an outstanding manner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank and acknowledge:
Kazimierz Poplawski, for many years of work in introducing Estonia through the eesti.pl portal.
James Oates, Chairman of the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce, for his long-term and outstanding contribution to the development and preservation of British-Estonian economic relations.
Maie-Anne Barrow, board member of the Estonian Society in Sydney, for preserving and promoting Estonian language and culture in Australia.
Aivo Takis, Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Society in Sydney and former Estonian Honorary Consul in Sydney, for preserving and promoting Estonian language and culture in Australia.
Tiiu Kroll-Simmul, board member of the Estonian Society in Sydney, for preserving and promoting Estonian language and culture in Australia.
Raul Allikivi, instigator of economic relations between Estonia and Japan and active promoter of Estonia in Japan.
Kerttu Kibbermann, lecturer at the Centre for Finno-Ugric Studies, University of Latvia, for introducing and promoting Estonian language and culture in Latvia.
Hele Lõhmus, one of the founders and initiators of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, long-time supporter of Estonian-Latvian economic relations.
Aho Rebas, for the persistent and steadfast preservation of the Estonian language and culture in Sweden.
The Estonian Kindergarten in Stockholm, for their contribution to the future of the Estonian language and culture.
Galina Jevsejeva, for heading the Seto village museum in Siberia and preserving cultural heritage.
Nelli Abašina-Melts, for the translating of Estonian literature and promotion of literary relations with Russia.
Valentina Kašina, for long-term work in introducing Estonian literature and promoting and enhancing literary contacts in Russia.
Robert Kingsep, long-time Chairman of the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society, for preserving and promoting Estonian identity and heritage.
Action Estonia (Tiit Kauri, Jüri Wallner, Leo Vainola, Peeter Bush), for years of dedicated work in bringing Canadian aid to Estonian children's health and education organisations.
Estonian Ecumenical Relief Organization in Canada, for long years of dedicated work in organising charity events for the purchase of medical equipment for Estonian children's hospitals and for supporting Estonian children's homes and schools.
Maie Kisis-Vainumäe, for long-term and varied activities contributing to the preservation of continued Estonian academic, cultural and societal life in Germany.
Pille Zieplies, long-time employee of the Honorary Consulate in Kiel, for commitment in supporting Estonians and introducing Estonia in Germany.
Taissa Voges, employee of the Honorary Consulate in Stuttgart, for commitment to the support of Estonians and introducing Estonia in Germany.
Tiina Kälisaar, employee of the Honorary Consulate in Hamburg, for commitment to the support of Estonians and introducing Estonia in Germany.
Hando Nahkur, for preserving and promoting Estonian culture in the United States.
The New York Estonian Educational Society and the New York Estonian School, for preserving and promoting Estonian language, culture and identity in the United States.
Ruslan Trochynskyi, for strengthening cultural ties between Estonia and Ukraine.
Marko Matvere, for introducing Estonia abroad.
Jaan Tätte, for introducing Estonia abroad.
Citizens Day is celebrated on November 26, since on that day in 1918, the Maanõukogu, the governing assembly at the time, passed a regulation on Estonian citizenship.
Citizens Day is dedicated to Estonian citizens, their rights and obligations, and aims to raise awareness of citizenship and civic pride.
A photo gallery of today's Citizens Day ceremony can be viewed on the Government website:
https://valitsus.ee/et/galerii...PRESS DEPARTMENT
