Cabinet Signs Off on Brazilian Embassy
The government has greenlighted the Foreign Ministry's plans to open an embassy in the Brazilian capital, Estonia's first in South America.
Estonian diplomat Urmas Eigla has been in Brazil since last spring, residing at the Portuguese embassy and tasked with preparations for opening the Estonian embassy. Brazil opened its embassy in Estonia in 2011. Estonia also has three honorary consuls in Brazil.
The country is currently only Estonia's 34th trade partner, with around 50 Estonians permanently residing in Brazil, but Foreign Minister Urmas Paet has emphasized the country's importance as a regional center as bilateral ties become stronger.
"Brazil is interested in Estonia's IT sector and e-services and several delegations have visited Estonia to become acquainted with these areas," Paet said in a press release.
"One of the most important functions of the office being opened is business diplomacy and supporting Estonian firms," Paet said.