Ankara: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna will pay an official visit to Trkiye on Friday, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Tsahkna is set to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is anticipated to discuss the strengthening cooperation between Trkiye and Estonia, particularly in military relations and the defense industry.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan is expected to highlight Trkiye's strategic role within the European security architecture and stress the importance of activating high-level dialogue mechanisms. The discussions will likely cover crucial issues on the Trkiye-EU agenda, with a focus on updating the Customs Union and advancing the Visa Liberalization Dialogue. Fidan is also expected to express gratitude for Estonia's support for Trkiye's EU membership process and reiterate Trkiye's commitment to facilitating a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through a just and lasting peace.
In addressing the situation in Gaza, Fidan is expected to emphasize the necessity of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. The Turkish foreign minister will likely highlight the importance of international efforts to rebuild the region. On Syria, Fidan is anticipated to call for the swift implementation of the March 10 Agreement to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and unity, advocate for the fight against terrorism under Syrian government leadership, and urge the lifting of all sanctions on Syria.
The foundation of Trkiye-Estonia relations dates back to the 'Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation' signed on December 1, 1924. Diplomatic relations were reestablished on October 2, 1991, following Estonia's independence from the Soviet Union. Trkiye's support for Estonia's NATO membership in 2004 and Estonia's backing of Trkiye's EU accession have bolstered bilateral cooperation. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached approximately $521 million, with ambitions to increase it to $1 billion. The year also marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, commemorated by Estonian President Alar Karis's official visit to Trkiye in June.