Bilateral Relations

Bilateral relations between Estonia and the United States of America (U.S.) have been steady and strong since the Republic of Estonia declared its independence in 1918.

The United States recognised the Republic of Estonia on July 28, 1922. The first Estonian diplomatic mission to the United States was commenced in the same year. It continued its activities throughout the illegal occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991. The recognition of the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia has been the cornerstone of Estonian-U.S. relations. The United States has never recognised the annexation by the Soviet Union.

The United States reopened its Embassy in Tallinn on September 4, 1991, soon after the restoration of Estonia’s de facto independence on August 20, 1991. Since then, the development of relations between the two countries has been constructive and stable.

The Estonian Ambassador to the United States is Jonatan Vseviov. The previous Estonian Ambassador, from 2017 to 2018 was Lauri Lepik. Estonia has a Consulate General in New York, where the Consul General is Kairi Künka. In the United States Estonia is also represented by 14 honorary consuls.

The bilateral relations are strong, which is demonstrated by the dialogue between the countries in several matters of great importance to both. Since March 29, 2004 Estonia is a member of NATO, which means a strengthened allied relationship between Estonia and other members of the organization, including the United States. In addition to direct security policy aspects, co-operation in areas like cyber security and internet freedom, joint projects to support developing democracies between the two countries are continuously gaining importance. Also both countries focus on continuing active economic cooperation.

For more information on Estonian-US relations, visit the homepage of the Estonian Embassy in Washington: