Governor O’Malley Travels to the Republic of Estonia for Meeting with Prime Minister
Click here to see more photos from the Governor's trip to Europe.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 9, 2009) –Governor Martin O’Malley today met with Prime Minister Andres Ansip of the Republic of Estonia, as well as the nation’s Ministries of Economic Affairs and Defense, during which time they discussed a number of mutually significant issues including emergency management, the global economy, and energy, including Maryland’s role in America’s nuclear renaissance. The Governor also toured the NATO Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense.
Governor O’Malley is in the Republic of Estonia as part of the State Partnership Program, which brings together U.S. states and territories and their respective National Guard units with new or emerging democracies throughout the world. The State of Maryland and the Republic of Estonia have enjoyed a long-standing partnership dating back to 1993. During that time, Maryland has played a key role in working with the Republic of Estonia in fostering democracy, encouraging a market-based economy, and promoting regional cooperation and stability.
“It is extremely impressive for me to see just how mutually successful this program has been for both the State of Maryland and the Republic of Estonia,” said Governor O’Malley. “Maryland was originally selected to partner with Estonia due in large part to the great number of Marylanders who trace their roots back to Estonia as well as the fact that we share a very similar maritime economic culture and heritage. While our partnership has certainly matured during the past 16 years, I look forward to continuing what I believe is a very mutually-beneficial and productive partnership for years to come.”
Photos will be posted periodically during the Governor’s trip and are accessible by clicking here.
During his visit, Governor O’Malley met with Mr. Juhan Parts, Minister of Economic Affairs for Estonia, representatives of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, and Lieutenant Colonel Raivo Lumiste, Commander of the Estonian Defense League, or “Kaitseliit.” Topics of discussion focused on current economic issues facing Estonia and the impact of the global economy on Maryland. The parties also discussed national defense and anti-terrorism efforts as well as best practices related to emergency management response to natural and manmade disasters. The Maryland National Guard conducts an average of 10 partner events each year with Estonia.
“Estonia has become an extremely valued partner – not just for the State of Maryland but for our nation as a whole having served side-by-side American troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror,” said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, Adjutant General of Maryland and Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “The citizens of Maryland should feel a great sense of pride knowing that we enjoy a strong and trusted partnership with the Republic of Estonia.”
As evidence of the strong partnership that exists between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Estonia, Governor O’Malley and the Deputy Governor of the municipality of Harju County in Estonia, Mr. Nicolai Vojeikin, recently signed a memorandum of understanding designed to encourage and strengthen cultural and social relationships between the State of Maryland and Harju County. A similar partnership was created in 2002 between the City of Westminster, MD, and the municipality of Paide in Estonia.
Photos will be posted periodically during the Governor’s trip and are accessible by clicking here.
