On 22 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna visited Azerbaijan with an Estonian business delegation, meeting among others with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. During the visit, Minister Tsahkna announced he plans to submit a proposal to the government on opening an Estonian embassy in Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan is an important partner in the South Caucasus region. Estonian companies are keen to operate in Azerbaijan, and opening an embassy would offer improved opportunities to strengthen relations and advance practical cooperation,” Tsahkna said during his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. “I will propose to the government that Estonia’s current representation in Baku be upgraded to a full embassy.”
In meetings with both President Aliyev and Foreign Minister Bayramov, discussions focused on the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“The declaration signed this summer in Washington between Azerbaijan and Armenia marks a significant milestone in ending a conflict that has lasted for three decades. It is crucial that this is followed by determined progress and the full and timely implementation of the agreed steps,” Tsahkna stated. “Stability in the South Caucasus is vital for European security as a whole, and Estonia will continue to support both Armenia and Azerbaijan in achieving comprehensive peace.”
On the topic of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Tsahkna commended Azerbaijan for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supporting the country in restoring critical infrastructure. “By intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and its electricity and gas networks, Russia aims to leave Ukrainians in cold and darkness ahead of winter. Any assistance in repairing civilian infrastructure helps Ukraine endure,” Tsahkna said.
While in Baku, the Foreign Minister also met with Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova, Deputy Minister for Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov, and Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov.
The minister was accompanied by an Estonian business delegation and the programme included an Estonia–Azerbaijan business seminar. “Several Estonian companies have been active in the Azerbaijani market for years, offering innovative solutions — for example, contributing to the development of mobile ID and the creation of Azerbaijan’s e-service centres (ASAN),” Tsahkna noted. “The participation of nearly 20 companies in the business delegation confirms the strong interest our businesses have in this market. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to support the creation of new contacts and the opening of necessary doors,” Tsahkna said, adding that there is significant potential for cooperation in areas such as education, green technologies, logistics, and IT.
