EANC Representatives Welcome Estonia’s New Ambassador to the United States

Estonian American National Council (EANC) Vice President Maia Linask and ex-president and Council member Marju Rink-Abel met with Hannes Hanso, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States of America, on September 29 at the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to welcome him and introduce him to EANC’s work and the Estonian American community.

Ambassador Hanso, who presented his credentials to the U.S. President at the White House on September 15, previously served as Estonia’s Minister of Defence, a member of the Estonian Parliament, and Ambassador to China, Mongolia, and Vietnam.

The meeting offered an opportunity to share insights into the diverse Estonian American community and introduce EANC’s longstanding mission to represent Estonian Americans, preserve and promote Estonian culture and heritage, and advocate for Estonia’s security and strong U.S.–Estonian relations.

The conversation, which also included other members of the Estonian Embassy staff, focused on opportunities to strengthen cooperation between EANC and the Embassy, build on shared priorities, and find ways to support one another’s efforts while fulfilling their respective missions.

“We were delighted to welcome Ambassador Hanso and share how Estonian Americans continue to contribute to both our countries. We value the strong and productive relationship EANC has enjoyed with the Embassy over the years and look forward to building on that partnership with Ambassador Hanso and his team,” said EANC Vice President Maia Linask.

On behalf of EANC, Marju Rink-Abel presented the ambassador with a copy of the EANC-published book Estonians in America: Exiles in a Land of Promise, providing a broader overview of the organizations, activities, and accomplishments of Estonian Americans from 1945 to 1995.