Foreign relations of Estonia originates in the Nordic countries (principally Finland and Sweden), to which Estonia sends 42% of its exports (as compared to 6.5% going to Russia, 8.8% to Latvia, and 4.7% to Lithuania). On the other hand, the Estonian political system, its flat rate of income tax, and its non-welfare-state model distinguish it from the other Nordic states, and indeed from many other European countries. Estonia is a party to 181 international organizations, including the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (member since 1 May 2004), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC,
Friends of Estonia in the Parliament of Norway Friends of Estonia in the Parliament of Norway Friends of Estonia in the Parliament of Norway () is a pro-Estonia caucus group consisting of Members of the Parliament of Norway. The Friends of Estonia in the Parliament of Norway was founded in November 2009, largely by the initiative of Progress Party politician Jørund Rytman. At the founding meeting of the group, more than twenty Members of Parliament joined in. Although Rytman found many good things about the country, the market liberal economic policies were cited as one of the most appreciated policies. Rytman also cited the country's low taxes, highly