Estonia to upgrade diplomatic presence in Australia to embassy
Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus said that the Cabinet has decided to open an Estonian embassy in Canberra, Australia.
"There are around 10,000 Estonians in Australia and it continues to be a popular destination for temporary emigrants," said the Foreign Minister. "An embassy would allow us to serve and protect the interest of Estonian citizens in Australia a bit better and represent the Republic of Estonia."
In relation to the establishment of the embassy in Canberra, the Estonian Consulate General in Sydney will close.
The embassy will open January 1 and will be temporarily based in the rooms of the Finnish Embassy. It should move to a separate building on the Finnish premises in autumn 2015.
From 2007-2010, the Estonian ambassador to Australia resided in Tokyo and since 2010 the position has been based in Tallinn, whereas the Australian ambassador to Estonia resides in Stockholm. The Estonian consulate in Sydney opened in 2011.
Estonia also has four honorary consuls in Australia. Australia's honorary consul in Estonia is Mati Peekma.