20 April 2009
Visit to Australia by the Estonian Foreign Minister
I will meet Estonia's Foreign Minister, Mr Urmas Paet, in Perth today for formal bilateral discussions.
Mr Paet's visit, the first by an Estonian Foreign Minister, is an important milestone in engagement and cooperation between Australia and Estonia.
The 8,000-strong Estonian community in Australia is at the heart of our bilateral relationship. It is the fifth largest population of Estonians living abroad.
Australia values its cooperation with Estonia as a member of the European Union (EU). Australia's relationship with the EU and Estonia continues to grow through the implementation of the Australia-European Union Partnership Framework, launched in Paris in October 2008.
We continue to enhance our educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links.
Australia and Estonia are like-minded countries that share common perspectives on international issues, such as non-proliferation, disarmament and human rights.
Both Australia and Estonia are committed to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Estonia currently has 130 troops stationed in Helmand Province.
I am pleased also to announce today, on behalf of Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigneous Affairs, that Australia and Estonia have agreed to commence discussions towards a bilateral Social Security Agreement.
This agreement will benefit the Estonian-Australian community and Australians living in Estonia by ensuring access to pension entitlements.
During his three-day visit to Australia Mr Paet will officially open the Honorary Consulate of Estonia in Perth, a further contribution to the strengthening of Australia-Estonia ties. Estonia has existing consulates in Sydney and Hobart.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555