Newly opened Estonian embassy in Moldova to bolster cooperation between the two countries and tighten Moldova’s ties to the EU

Estonia's increased diplomatic presence in Moldova enables it to better support Moldova's progress toward EU membership by strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic and development cooperation. 

"Estonia is expanding its diplomatic footprint. We are opening five new embassies this year, bringing the total number of Estonian embassies worldwide to 50 by the end of the year. Each new embassy offers Estonia a better opportunity to represent its interests, support its people and businesses and be present where decisions affecting our security and well-being are made," said Margus Tsahkna. 

"Moldova is of great importance in this regard. Moldova is making strong progress toward European Union membership, and Estonia wishes to provide the most effective support possible. Having an embassy on the ground allows us to do this more quickly and flexibly, and in close cooperation with Moldova and other European Union member states," he added. 

Moldova's EU accession process requires ever-growing practical cooperation. Estonia can leverage its experience to support Moldova, particularly in the digital and cyber sectors, by enhancing national resilience, strengthening the rule of law and fostering democratic practices. Estonia also continues to implement development cooperation projects in Moldova that support regional development and local government capacity. 

Andrea Kivi, the executive director for the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), attended the opening ceremony and noted that cooperation between Estonia and Moldova over the past two decades has significantly contributed to Moldova's development and improved EU integration. 

"Today, we can proudly state that the cooperation between Estonia and Moldova remains highly effective, as evidenced by our achievements to date. With Estonia's support, one-third of Moldova's teachers have completed training in digital pedagogy and skills, and our e-exam system has been successfully piloted. Furthermore, over 3,000 public sector cyber experts have enhanced their knowledge through joint cyber exercises, and civil servants have received robust preparation for EU accession negotiations," said Kivi. 

Since the early 2000s, Estonia and Moldova have implemented more than 300 development cooperation projects together.