Republic of Estonia

Bilateral relationship

Although bilateral ties are limited, Estonia's strong economy, EU membership and close ties with its Scandinavian and Baltic neighbours make it of increasing relevance to New Zealand. In April 2007 New Zealand commenced a Working Holiday Scheme with Estonia under which young people are able to live and work in each other's countries for up to a year.

There is a small Estonian community in New Zealand - the most famous Estonian New Zealander is Ortvin Sarapuu, New Zealand's best known chess player. His career of 20 national titles and 10 Olympiad appearances stretched from 1951 to 1990.

Although in recent years Estonia has played an entrepot role for New Zealand's exports to northern Europe, bilateral trade levels are low and concentrated on a few niche products.

Estonia has also continued an interest in Antarctica, following on from the involvement of Estonian scientists in Soviet Antarctic activity.

Estonia's foreign policy priorities include the EU, NATO and relations with Russia and the United States.

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area: 45,227 square km
Population: 1.3 million (2006)
Capital City: Tallinn
Language: Estonian is the official language. Finnish and Russian are widely understood

Political

Political system: Parliamentary democracy
National government: Coalition Government comprising the Reform Party, Pro Patria-Res Publica Union and the Social Democrats
National legislature: Unicameral Parliament, the Riigikogu, of 101 members
Last election: September 2006 (president) March 2007 (parliament)
Next election due: 2011 (President) 2011 (Parliament)
Head of State: Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President
Head of Government: Andrus Ansip (Reform Party), Prime Minister

Economic (2010 est)

GDP: US$17.7
Real GDP growth: 0.5%
Exports: US$10.7 billion
Imports: US$11.4 billion
Main exports: Machinery and equipment, wood and paper, metals and metal products, clothing and footwear, furniture
Current account balance: US$890 billion
Inflation: 2.3%

New Zealand Trade (year ended June 2010)

NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$2.04 million
Main Exports: wool, fish, iron/steel products
NZ Imports (CIF): NZ$1.63 million
Main Imports: medical instruments, electrical machinery, sports equipment

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Visits

New Zealand Ministerial Visits to Estonia

• Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs (September 2006)
• Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (September 2004)
• Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt, Speaker, and Parliamentary delegation (April 2004)
• Hon Simon Upton, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (August 1999)

Estonian Ministerial Visits to New Zealand

• HE Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs (April 2009)

 

Representation

The first Estonian Ambassador to New Zealand presented his credentials on 5 December 2007. He is based at the Estonian Embassy in Tokyo. There is an Honorary Consul in Waikanae.

New Zealand is accredited to Estonia through the Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.

Travel advice

The Safe Travel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Estonia [external link].

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