On January 16, was the 18th anniversary of the U.S.-Baltic Charter! Signed by the presidents of the United States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 1998, it sets for the U.S.’s "real, profound, and enduring interest" in the Baltic States and has been a cornerstone of relations between the U.S. and the Baltic region ever since.

Since then, it’s remarkable to see how much progress has been made toward achieving the common visions set forth in the document.

Estonia's dedication to democracy and the rule of law, as well as its respect for human rights and open markets, speaks volumes about both the nation's trajectory, as well as the seriousness with which it embraced the Charter.

And the U.S. is proud to stand as friend and ally to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The spirit and intent of the Charter prevails today.

U.S. Embassy Tallinn, Estonia

Photo by: AP