President Biden Met With Prime Minister Kaja Kallas

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas met with U.S. President Joe Biden on November 1 alongside the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow , where they discussed bilateral defense ties, including the continuation of defense cooperation both bilaterally and in NATO.

 

Biden highlighted Estonia's contribution to the protection of democracy and human rights around the world, including at the UN Security Council.

 

A statement from the White House said Biden praised Estonia for joining the new framework for international income tax reform.

 

 

Arvo Pärt Premiere Followed by Reception in New York

On November 1, the General Consulate of Estonia in New York, the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the United Nations and Artefact Ensemble hosted a joint post-concert reception at the Yale Club, thanking the musicians, concert organizers and representatives of the Arvo Pärt Centre for the celebration of Arvo Pärt at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

Performances, including the world premiere of "O Holy Father Nicholas", were held on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in the the Met Fifth Avenue's Gallery 131, the Temple of Dendur.

 

 

Minister of Culture Anneli Ott Resigns

In an emotional statement to the media on November 2, Estonian Minister of Culture Anneli Ott announced she is stepping down voluntarily from her position because she is unable to implement policies in the cultural sector drawn up by the current government.

 

Ott added that rapid decisions have been needed to mitigate risks stemming from the coronavirus crisis but that a situation has arisen where for several weeks the government has been unable to reach an agreement with regard to compensation measures in the cultural sector, while the coalition partner wants to introduce new restrictions.