Slovenia-Estonia: 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Slovenia celebrates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Estonia.

By
Shazma Ali
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416
Estonia
Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Ljubljana, 11 December 2021 (TDI): The Republic of Slovenia and Estonia celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship every year on the 11th of December. The Republic of Slovenia was the first to support the independence of Estonia.

On 16 May 1990, the Slovenian Parliament acknowledged the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It planned the legislative initiative for the Parliament of Yugoslavian Socialist Federation Republic in order to accept the independence of the Baltic States (Europe Northeast region containing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania countries on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea). Therefore, On 22 October 1991, Yugoslavia documented Estonia as an independent state.

Slovenia-Estonia: Bilateral Relations

On 25 June 1991, Slovenia got independence and Estonia recognized the independent Republic of Slovenia on 25 September 1991. On 11 December 1991, diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. Both countries are a member of the EU and NATO and share similar values and views.

Estonia and Slovenia are not geographical neighbors, and bilateral relations are not very intensive. However, mutual understanding is strengthening over passaging time. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers’ visits take place frequently. In the Slovenian parliament, there is Slovenia-Estonia parliamentary group, which is headed by Branislav Rajic and has 7 members.

Agreements
  1. On 14 July 1994, an agreement was signed on Co-operation in the Field of Education, Culture and Science between the two states.
  2. On 1 May 1995, an agreement was signed on the Organization of International Road Transport.
  3. On 7 November 1997, agreement on the Re-admission of Persons.
  4. On 23 January 2021, agreement Concerning the Cooperation in the Fight Against Organized Crime, Illicit Drug Trafficking, and Terrorism.
  5. On 26 June 2021, agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Tax Evasion.
  6. On 8 May 2010, agreement on the Exchange and Protection of Classified Information.
  7. Estonia and Slovenia have concluded a visa representation agreement.
Slovenia-Estonia: Economic Relations
Trade

From 2012 to 2016, the trade between Estonia and Slovenia reduced as turnover was 40.9 million euros in 2012 and 31.8 million euros in 2016. In 2017, the revenue boosted to 37.4 million euros, and in 2018; it expanded to 41.5 million euros. In 2018, Slovenia ranked Estonia’s trade partner as the 43rd among all.

Investments

On 31 December 2018, the direct investment made by Estonia in Slovenia was an amount of 0.5 million euros and Slovenia invested in Estonia mounted 0.7 million euros, according to the Bank of Estonia.