Tallinn, 29 July 2022 (TDI): Estonia and the United States (US) celebrate hundred years of diplomatic relations. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 July 1922.
On the anniversary of diplomatic relations, the US reaffirmed its support for the Balkan states. “The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to counter Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war on Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable.”
The US President, Joe Biden said in a statement. “We stand together as close friends, strategic partners, and strong Allies, deeply committed to defending our democratic institutions, human rights, and liberty.” US Department of State wrote on Twitter.
.@StateDeptSpox on the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: We stand together as close friends, strategic partners, and strong Allies, deeply committed to defending our democratic institutions, human rights, and liberty. pic.twitter.com/qwtO3TnmI9
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 28, 2022
Estonian President’s Messages
Estonian President, Kaja Kallas said that the transatlantic bond kept Estonia alive during the Soviet occupation. Moreover, today the bond is more necessary than ever. “The transatlantic bond is strong and will keep getting stronger.” She shared on Twitter.
100 years ago, Estonia and the United States established diplomatic relations.
Our transatlantic bond helped keep the Republic of Estonia alive during Soviet occupation. Now, as allies working together to support #Ukraine, this bond is more important than ever. #US100EE pic.twitter.com/TOjtoUIH9O
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 28, 2022
In the same way, the Estonian Ambassador to the US called this relationship “like few others” which did not break during the darkest times of World War 2 and the Cold war.
It’s an anniversary of 💯years of diplomatic relations between 🇪🇪 and 🇺🇸 today. A relationship like few others as it withstood even the darkest hours of WWII and Cold War, our mutual commitment to each other has never been stronger.#WeAreAllies #StartOfNext100 pic.twitter.com/kUrcdTuCYo
— Kristjan Prikk (@kprikk) July 28, 2022
Diplomatic Relations between US & Estonia
The US recognized the Republic of Estonia in 1922. The US opened its Embassy in Tallinn on 30 June 1930. However, when the Soviet Union occupied Estonia in August 1940, its Embassy was closed.
In fact, the US never recognized the occupation of the Soviet Union and continued its support for Estonia. Afterward, in 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Estonia declared its independence.
Since then, the two counties have maintained cordial relations. Furthermore, the US re-opened its Embassy in Tallinn on September 4, 1991.
Welles Declaration
On 23 July 1940, the acting US Secretary of State, Sumner Welles issued a statement condemning the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states. In addition to this, he also refused to recognize the annexation of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
