Honorary Consular Corps Estonia Meets President Alar Karis: A Milestone in Diplomatic Relations

March 21, 2023

A Day of Diplomacy and Culture at the Presidential Palace

On March 21, 2023, the Honorary Consular Corps Estonia had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Estonia. The meeting took place at the presidential palace and was followed by a luncheon at the same venue.

The Gift of 'Tomorrow'

In a gesture of goodwill and friendship, the Honorary Consular Corps Estonia presented President Karis with a vase titled 'Tomorrow.' This exquisite piece was crafted by the renowned glass artist Tiina Sarapu and came with an inscription commemorating the event.

The President's Perspective

President Alar Karis offered his insights into the role of honorary consuls, stating, 'The work of Honorary Consuls shows the size of a country and the depth of its international relations.'

A Growing Corps

Currently, Estonia is host to 42 honorary consuls from various countries, a number that has been on the rise. The President expressed his hope that this number would continue to grow, enriching Estonia's diplomatic landscape.

The Global Reach

The meeting in Kadriorg was a testament to the global reach of Estonia's Honorary Consular Corps. The geography spanned from Brazil and Chile in far South America to Mongolia and Malaysia.

The Multifaceted Role of Honorary Consuls

Honorary consuls serve to build cultural and economic relations and assist the citizens of the countries they represent. President Karis, who himself served as the Honorary Consul of Chile for ten years, emphasized the importance of this role in both good times and bad.

Conclusion

The meeting between the Honorary Consular Corps Estonia and President Alar Karis was not just a formal event but a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between Estonia and the countries represented by the honorary consuls.