VIP Visits
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Miki Yamada visits Estonia (November 2015)
From 18–19 November 2015, Ms. Miki Yamada, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs for Japan, made a visit to Estonia. During the visit, Ms. Yamada had meetings with Marina Kaljurand, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Liisa Oviir, Minister of Entrepreneurship to discuss bilateral relations. Ms. Yamada also attended a dinner with local Japanese people at the Ambassador’s residence.
Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, Mr. Amari visits Estonia (October 2015)
From 21 – 23 October, Mr. Akira Amari, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization made a visit to Estonia. During the visit, Minister Amari had meetings with Mr. Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia; Mr. Kristen Michal, Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure; Ms. Liisa Oviir, Minister of Entrepreneurship; Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications; Ms. Anne Sulling, Chairperson of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group; and Mr. Väino Reinart, Acting Secretary General, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Amari also visited the e-Estonia Showroom and IT companies, and received explanations about Estonia’s e-Health system at a hospital and pharmacy.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Rõivas, Minister Amari exchanged views on the “My Number” system (ID number system to be introduced in Japan from next year), the protection of personal data and economic and trade issues such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). During the meeting with Minister Michal, Minister Oviir and Mr. Kotka, they mainly discussed mutual economic relations, the Estonian e-Governance system and the Japanese “My Number” system. Prime Minister Rõivas presented an e-Residency ID card to Minister Amari and Minister Amari presented the prime minister a sample “My Number” ID card with each name included.
At the e-Estonia Showroom, Minister Amari presented Mr. Kotka with a sample “My Number” ID card, after Mr. Kotka had talked on Estonian e-Government and they had exchanged opinions with each other.
State Minister of Defense, Mr. Akira Sato visits Estonia (May 2015)
From 6–7 May 2015, Mr. Akira Sato, State Minister of Defense, made a visit to Estonia. During the visit, State Minister Sato paid a courtesy call to Lieutenant General Riho Terras, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces and had meetings with Mr. Taimar Peterkop, Director General of the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA); Mr. Mikk Marran, Permanent Secretary of Defence of the Estonian Ministry of Defence; and Mr. Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the National Defence Committee, Parliament of Estonia. On each occasion, State Minister Sato received explanations about Estonia’s e-Governance systems and its efforts in the field of cyber security, and exchanged views on Japan-Estonia Defence exchange and cooperation, mainly in the areas of cyber defence, security policies of each country and regional situations.
State Minister Mr. Sato also visited NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), where he received explanations about CCDCOE’s overview and its efforts in the field of cyber security, and exchanged views on issues such as NATO’s efforts and the development of human resources in the field of cyber security.
Minister in Charge of Information Technology Policy, Mr. Shunichi Yamaguchi visits Estonia (April 2015)
From 29 April to 1 May 2015, Mr. Shunichi Yamaguchi, Minister in Charge of Information Technology Policy made a visit to Estonia. During the visit, Minister Yamaguchi paid a courtesy call to H. E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia and had a meeting with H. E. Ms. Urve Palo, Minister of Entrepreneurship. Minister Yamaguchi also visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) and the E-Estonia Showroom.
Minister Yamaguchi discussed the importance of the electronic authentication system and ID number system with President Ilves. He also talked through current business activity and possible bilateral cooperation in the field of IT with Minister Palo.
At the E-Estonia Showroom, Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications explained Estonian E-governance, among other topics. After the discussion, Mr. Kotka presented an e-Residency ID card to Minister Yamaguchi.
Mr. Takuya Hirai, a member of the House of Representatives of Japanese Diet, who visited Estonia in the same time period, attended the meetings with Minister Palo and Mr. Kotka.
Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship H. E. Ms. Anne Sulling visits Japan (January 2015)
From 19 – 25 January 2015, H. E. Ms. Anne Sulling, Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship made a visit to Japan. During the visit, Minister Sulling had meetings with Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Isshu Sugawara, State Minister of Finance; Mr. Daishiro Yamagiwa, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Mr. Satoshi Miyamoto, Vice-Chairman of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). Minister Sulling also met with members of the Japan-Estonia Friendship Group of the Japanese Diet, as well as representatives of Japanese companies.
Following the collaborative work during this visit, Japanese trading company Marubeni and two Estonian dairy producers signed contracts in February to export dairy products to Japan. The first shipments of cheese and milk powder were dispatched from the port of Tallinn in April.
The Japan-Estonia Cyber Dialogue was held in Tallinn (December 2014)
The Japan-Estonia Cyber Dialogue was held in Tallinn from December 17 to 18, 2014.
The delegation led by Mr. Toshihiro Kitamura, Director of the Western Europe Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan consisted of 12 government officials and company representatives. During the Cyber Dialogue Japanese and Estonian participants had active discussions about the bilateral cooperation on cyber security, the “My Number (individual number)” system of Japan etc. The Japanese delegation visited E-Estonia Showroom and NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Center of Excellence (CCDCOE) as well as deepened mutual understanding by further discussions with Estonian counterparts during the reception at Ambassador Kai’s residence.
Japan Association of New Economy (JANE) Delegation visits Estonia (November 2014)
Japan Association of New Economy (JANE) Delegation (headed by its Representative Director, Mr. Hiroshi Mikitani) visited Estonia from November 18 to 19. During their stay, the delegation met with the Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas at the e-Cabinet room of Prime Minister’s Office, and Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications at the Ministry to exchange views on issues such as Estonian E-government. The delegation also attended dinner hosted by Estonian President H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
Summit Meeting of Japan and the Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) (October 2014)
On October 17, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was visiting Milan to attend the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting), held a summit meeting with the Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) leaders.
The meeting was the first summit meeting in this format and chaired by the Estonian Prime Minister Mr. Rõivas. Estonia is the coordinating country of NB8 this year.
Republic of Estonia - Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas (Chair, NB8 coordinating country)
Republic of Finland - Prime Minister Mr. Alexander Stubb
Republic of Latvia - President Mr. Andris Bērziņš
Republic of Lithuania - Prime Minister Mr. Algirdas Butkevičius
Kingdom of Norway - Prime Minister Ms. Erna Solberg
Kingdom of Sweden - Prime Minister Mr. Stefan Löfven
Iceland - Ambassador to Italy Ms. Berglind Ásgeirsdóttir (non ASEM member)
Denmark - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of Department for Asia, Oceania and Latin America Mr. Christian Dons Christensen
The meeting followed the first Japan+NB8 foreign ministers’ level meeting that took place in November last year during the ASEM held in India.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Summit Meeting with the Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8)
The LDP’s Special Mission Committee on IT Strategy visits Estonia (August 2014)
From 7th to 10th of August 2014, the Delegation of the Special Committee on IT Strategy, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headed by the Committee’s chairman, Mr. Takuya Hirai visited Estonia. During their stay in Tallinn, they met with Mr. Jevgeni Ossinovski, Minister of Education and Research, Mr. Sven Mikser, Minister of Defence, Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Mr. Jaan Piisalu, Director General of the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA). The delegation also visited SK (Certification Centre), NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Center of Excellence
(CCDCOE), E-Estonia Showroom (former ICT Demo Center), Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL) and Estonian ICT Export Cluster to exchange their views on ICT and Cyber Security.
President of the House of Councillors of Japan, H.E. Mr. Masaaki Yamazaki and his delegation visit Estonia (July 2014)
From 19th to 22nd of July 2014, H.E. Mr. Masaaki Yamazaki, President of the House of Councillors, National Diet of Japan, and his delegation visited Estonia at the invitation of H.E. Eiki Nestor, President of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). The delegation consists of 7 members including two Diet members of the House of Councillors－Mr. Kensei Mizote and Mr. Yuichiro Uozumi.
During their stay in Tallinn, they met with Mr. Eiki Nestor, President of the Riigikogu, Mr. Sven Mikser, Minister of Defence, Mr. Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs and exchanged views on bilateral relations. Also, Mr. Yamazaki and his delegation attended dinner hosted by Mr. Nestor, President of the Riigikogu and lunch hosted by Mr. Sven Sester, Vice-Chairman of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group. The delegation also visited NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence of Excellence (CCDCOE) and E-Estonia Showroom (former ICT Demo Center).
President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves visit Japan (March 2014)
From 5th to 8th of March 2014, H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia and Mrs. Evelyn Ilves visited Japan upon invitation of the Japanese Government. On 7th, the President and Mrs. Ilves had a state call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. President Ilves also met with Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and had a joint press conference. During his visit, President Ilves also met with Mr. Hiroshi Mikitani, Representative Director of Japan Association of New Economy, Mr. Masaaki Yamazaki, the Speaker of the House of Councillors of the Diet, Minister Ichita Yamamoto, who is responsible for information technology policies, and Mr. Hiroyuki Ishige, the Chairman of the foreign trade organisation, JETRO. President Ilves also delivered a lecture at Waseda University. A large business delegation accompanied the president and several meaningful contacts were established.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Press Release Japan-Estonia Summit Meeting and Dinner
News on the Homepage of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr.Urmas Paet visits Japan (January-February 2014)
From 29th of January to 1st of February 2014, H.E. Mr. Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs made a working visit to Japan upon invitation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. On 29th, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a foreign ministers’ meeting and dinner with Foreign Minister Paet. Among the topics discussed at the foreign ministers’ meeting are bilateral relations, including cooperation in the IT sector and regional affairs.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Press Release Japan-Estonia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Dinner
ICT Delegation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications visits Japan (December 2013)
In the beginning of December, 2013, the ICT Delegation headed by Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications visited Japan. On 6th of December the Japan-Estonia Policy Dialogue on ICT Policy and Cyber Security was held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and representatives of relevant agencies of the two countries and Estonian ambassador residing Tokyo participated.
Japan-Estonia Policy Dialogue on ICT Policy and Cyber Security held in Tokyo
Vice Minister of Cabinet Office Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura visits Estonia (September 2013)
From 19th to 20th of September, 2013 the Vice Minister of Cabinet Office Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura visited Estonia. He met with Prime Minister Mr. Andrus Ansip, President of the Parliament of Estonia Ms. Ene Ergma, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Mr. Taavi Kotka and attended lunch hosted by Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Alar Streimann. Mr. Nishimura also visited ICT Demo Center and NATO CCDCOE.
Delegation of Cabinet Committee of House of Representatives visits Estonia (August 2013)
From 23rd to 25th of August 2013, the Delegation of Cabinet Committee of House of Representatives headed by its Chairman Mr. Takuya Hirai visited Estonia. The delegation met with Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Mr. Juhan Parts, ICT Policy Adviser of Government Office of Estonia Mr. Siim Sikkut, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Mr. Taavi Kotka, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament of Estonia Mr. Marko Mihkelson. The delegation visited ICT Demo Center, National Archives of Estonia and NATO CCDCOE.
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Mission to Estonia (July 2013)
From 11th to 13th of July 2013, Japan Business Federation’s (Keidanren) Committee on Europe headed by Mr. Shinichi Yokoyama, Co-Chairman of the Committee visited Estonia. The committee met with Prime Minister Mr. Andrus Ansip, Director at Office of the President of Estonia Mr. Siim Raie. The delegation attended a lunch hosted by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and an Estonia-Japan Business Round Table with Estonian economic organizations and companies.
The Delegation of Estonian Waste Management Association visits Japan (May 2013)
From 18th to 24th of May 2013, a delegation with 23 members of Estonian Waste Management Association visited Tokyo. The delegation visited the 22nd New Environmental Exposition 2013, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and waste disposal/recycling organizations and companies.
ICT Delegation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications visits Japan (May 2013)
In the beginning of May 2013, the 8 members of ICT delegation headed by Mr. Taavi Kotka, Deputy Secretary General for Communication and State Information Systems of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications visited Japan. The delegation met with the representatives of Japanese ministries and explained about Estonian’s efforts on e-Government and Cyber Security and had a fruitful discussion on their future cooperation. The delegation visited several universities and companies. Also the lecture by Mr. Kotka and seminar on Estonia’s investment environment were held.
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Riho Terras visits Japan (March 2013)
From 6th to 11th of March 2013, Major General Riho Terras, Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces visited Japan. He met Mr. Ryota Takeda，Chairman of the Foreign and Defense Committee of the House of Representatives, Mr. Taro Kono, a member of the House of Representatives, General Shigeru Iwasaki, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, General Kimizuka, Chief of Staff of Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, Mr. Akinori Eto, Vice Minister of Defense, Mr. Masaji Matsuyama, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Commander Terras also visited Narashino Military training facility for Defense Studies.
Related Links:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan "Lunch meeting with Major General Riho Terras, Commander of Estonian Defense Force" (in Japanese)
Permanent Secretary of Defense, Mr. Mikk Marran visits Japan (April 2012)
From 12th to 17th of April 2012, Mr. Mikk Marran, Permanent Secretary of Defense of the Estonian Ministry of Defense visited Japan. He met Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama，Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the House of Councillors，Mr. Hironori Kanazawa，Vice Minister of Defense, Mr. Taro Kono, a member of House of Representatives，and leading officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense of Japan. Mr. Marran also visited the National Institute for Defense Studies.
President of the Riigikogu, Ms. Ene Ergma visits Japan (October 2011)
From 2nd to 8th of October 2011 Ms. Ene Ergma, Speaker of Riigikogu, visited to Japan for the
Japanese Government’s invitation scheme. She met Mr. Ryuji Yamane, Parliamentary Senior
Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Members of Japan-EU Interparliamentary League of Friendship
(including Former Prime Minister Mr. Yukio Hatoyama), Mr. Takahiro Yokomichi, Speaker of the
House of Representatives and Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the House of Councillors. She visited Saku-city which is a friendship city of Saku-commune. During her visit, she opened honorary consul of Estonia in Osaka.
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yutaka Banno visits Estonia (May 2011)
From 6th to 7th of May 2011, Mr. Yutaka Banno, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs visited Estonia as an Official visit. He met Prime Minister Mr. Andrus Ansip, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Urmas Paet, Vice President of the Riigikogu Mr. Jüri Ratas, MP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commitee Mr. Marko Mihkelson during his visit.
Japan-Estonia Summit Meeting Homepage of Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet Prime Minister Mr. Andrus Ansip visits Japan (February 2010)