Pakistan recognized Estonia in 1992 soon after its independence and diplomatic relations were established on 20 September 1993. The year 2023 marked the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

2. Bilateral ties have remained cordial and cooperative. The Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Ms. Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28) in Dubai on 01^st December 2023. The two leaders agreed on the need to work together to address common challenges including climate change and food security and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
3. The two sides held four rounds of bilateral consultations since 2005. The fourth round of bilateral consultations on 10 July 2024 in Islamabad. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan led the Pakistan side, while Director General of the Department of Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn, headed the Estonian side.

Agreements

4. The MoU on the Establishment of Political Consultations Mechanism between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries was signed on 8 December 2004. The two sides also 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. Both sides continue to engage to further expand the legal base for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Bilateral trade

5. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Estonia in 2023 was US$ 17.1 million. The Pakistan exports to Estonia amounted to US$ 11.5 million and imports from Estonia were worth US$ 5.6 million. Trade figures of last six calendar years are given below:

(US$ Million)

Source: ITC Trade Map; Estonian Official Statistics Office

6. The main items exported from Pakistan to Estonia were textiles, articles of leather, cotton, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, cereals, and salt. The items imported from Estonia to Pakistan were iron and steel, articles of furniture and bedding, mineral fuels and oils, pulp of wood, articles of aluminum, and organic chemicals.

Community

9..        Around 500 Pakistani citizens are living in Estonia including over 120 students.