Estonia–Syria relations

Estonian–Syrian relations

Estonia	Syria

Estonia–Syria relations are the bilateral relations between Estonia and Syria. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1993.[1] Neither country has a resident ambassador. Syria has a non resident ambassador in Minsk.[2]

History

The history of the bilateral relations between both countries originated when Estonia re-declared independence from the Soviet Union.[a] They established diplomatic relations on 19 May 1993.[3]

Syrian civil war

Starting in 2016, more than 200 refugees from Syria displaced by the Syrian civil war were granted asylum by Estonia. While the refugees and their descendants were there, they developed strong ties with Estonian locals.[4]

Estonian Aid to Syria

On 30 March 2021, Estonian foreign minister Eva-Maria Liimets announced that Estonia would be allocating €1.3 Million to the humanitarian crisis in the Syrian civil war.[5] Additionally, they gave 100,000 euros of aid to alleviate the humanitarian situation.[6]

Post-Assad relations

In December 2024, there were 72 Syrian citizens in Estonia with valid international protection status. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Estonia does not plan to extend temporary protection for Syrian war refugees.[7] In 2025, Estonia protected remaining refugees who have not yet returned to Syria. They would be protected until they return to Syria.[8]

See also

• Foreign relations of Estonia
• Foreign relations of Syria

References

1. "Estonia in Syria (Estonian)". 1993.
2. "Embassy of Syria". Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign affairs.
3. "Estonia in Syria (Estonian)". 1993.
4. Einmaa, Iida-Mai. "Local Syrian refugees have developed strong ties to Estonia over the years". Eesti Rahvusringhääling. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
5. "ReliefWeb Estonia".
6. "Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Relations".
7. Einmaa, Iida-Mai (26 December 2024). "Estonia has no plans to extend international protection of Syrian citizens". Eesti Rahvusringhääling. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
8. https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/estonia-integration-and-protection-syrian-refugees_en

1. Declared independence in 1918 and re-integrated with the Soviets in 1945.