 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model .(December 2025) |
The Republic of Estonia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1993, following Pakistan's recognition of Estonia in 1992 after its independence from the Soviet Union. [1]
Pakistan recognised the Republic of Estonia in 1992, shortly after Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations were formally established on 20 September 1993. The year 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The bilateral relationship has remained cordial and cooperative over the past three decades. A significant milestone occurred on 1 December 2023, when Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28) in Dubai. The meeting was held at the Pakistan Pavilion, which also showcased Pakistani art. During this meeting, the two leaders agreed on the need to work together to address common challenges including climate change and food security, and to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Prime Minister Kallas emphasized that climate change was an issue of global concern that must be addressed collectively. [2] [3]
On 19 January 2024, Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr. Mohammad Faisal and Estonian Ambassador to the UK Viljar Lubi held a meeting in London to discuss trade, public diplomacy, and cooperation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The participants decided to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Estonia through various multi-sectoral initiatives. Dr. Faisal shared details of Pakistan's candidature for the IMO and expressed best wishes to Ambassador Lubi for his upcoming visit to Pakistan. [4]
Pakistan is accredited to Estonia through its embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Estonia maintains an honorary consulate in Islamabad, Pakistan, located at Number 2, Street 86, Embassy Road, Sector G-6/3. [5] [6] [7]
The two countries have established a framework for regular Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC). To date, four rounds of these consultations have been held:
The Fourth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations was led by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan from Pakistan and Director General of the Department of Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn, from Estonia. During these consultations, both sides expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral engagement and dialogue. Key areas of discussion included: [8]
Pakistan and Estonia signed a Convention for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance on 20 November 2023 in Tallinn. The treaty officially entered into force on 30 April 2024, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations as the first tax agreement of its kind between the two nations.
Key provisions of the tax treaty include:
This tax treaty is expected to boost business and investment between Estonia and Pakistan by providing greater tax certainty and reducing administrative burdens for businesses operating in both countries. [9]
The economic relationship between Estonia and Pakistan is characterized by modest but growing trade volumes. [10] Bilateral trade (2023):
Trade figures (2018-2023):
Pakistan's main exports to Estonia include:
Estonia's main exports to Pakistan include:
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has actively participated in Estonia's "Big in Asia" conference, an annual event held in Tallinn organized by Enterprise Estonia (Estonian Business and Innovation Agency). This conference brings together experts and business leaders from across Asia to discuss global trade trends and opportunities for collaboration. [10]
In one notable instance, Sakhawat Ali, serving as an advisor for the Services Sector to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), represented Pakistan at the "Big in Asia" conference in Tallinn. [11] This participation aimed to boost trade and cultural ties between Pakistan and Estonia and to promote Pakistani services and products in the European market. [12]
Educational and cultural exchanges have been highlighted as crucial for fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between the two nations. During the Fourth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations in 2024, there was particular emphasis on enhancing people-to-people contacts, especially between the academic and research communities of Pakistan and Estonia. The Centre for Strategic Perspectives at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has organized roundtable discussions with visiting Estonian delegations, underscoring the importance of these exchanges for strengthening bilateral relations. [13]
Estonia has initiated efforts for the exchange of students and scholars between the two countries. An agreement has been reached on exchange of faculty members between the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) of Pakistan and Estonian universities. During diplomatic meetings, both sides agreed that educational diplomacy could be used as an effective tool in Pakistan-Estonia relations, with higher educational institutions on both sides playing a significant role in promoting bilateral relations. Both countries have identified potential for increased collaborative study and research projects, joint degree programs, and consulting contracts between Pakistani and Estonian institutions.
The Pakistan-Estonia Association (PEA), led by Dr. Yar Mohammad Mughal (Chairman and Assistant Professor at University of Tartu), serves as a platform to strengthen relationships between both countries and to increase trade and cooperation in different sectors such as e-Governance and IT. The organization also works to promote international mobility and exchange of faculty members, researchers, and students.
In November 2017, Dr. Mughal met with Enn Eesmaa, the first Vice-President of the Estonian Parliament, at the Parliament House in Tallinn. During this meeting, Dr. Mughal briefed the Vice-President about the aims and objectives of the PEA and the cultural activities of the Pakistani community in different cities of Estonia. The steps and objectives of the Pakistan-Estonia Association were highly appreciated by Mr. Eesmaa, who emphasized the need for further efforts to enhance ties between Pakistan and Estonia. Dr. Mughal highlighted that collaborative study and research projects, joint degree programs, consulting contracts, and other activities could be increased between Pakistani and Estonian institutions. [14]
The Pakistani community in Estonia, though small with approximately 200 people in a country of 1.3 million inhabitants in the Baltic region, is highly qualified and skilled. According to community representatives:
The vast majority of the community members are degree holders, with most Pakistanis residing in Tallinn and Tartu, and some in other Estonian cities. There are only a few Pakistani families in the Tallinn and Tartu regions, with none in the Narva region. Despite the small community size, Pakistanis have integrated well into Estonian society, particularly in the technology and education sectors. The Pakistani community also engages in cultural activities in different cities of Estonia, contributing to people-to-people understanding and bilateral cultural exchanges. [14]
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