Marina Kaljurand

Marina Kaljurand
28th Minister of Foreign Affairs
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 July 2015
Prime Minister	Taavi Rõivas
Preceded by	Keit Pentus-Rosimannus
Estonian Ambassador to Unated States and Mexico
In office 2011–2014
President	Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Preceded by	Väino Reinart
Succeeded by	Eerik Marmei
Estonian Ambassador to Canada
In office 2011–2013
President	Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Estonian ambassador to Kazakhstan
In office 2007–2011
President	Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Estonian ambassador to the Russian Federation
In office 2007–2011
President	Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Preceded by	Karin Jaani
Succeeded by	Simmu Tiik
Estonian ambassador to Israel
In office 2004–2006
President	Arnold Rüütel
Preceded by	Jüri Seilenthal
Succeeded by	Aino Lepik von Wiren
Personal details
Born	(1962-09-06) 6 September 1962 Tallinn, Estonia
Political party	Independent
Alma mater	University of Tartu Estonian School of Diplomacy Tufts University

Marina Kaljurand (née Rajevskaja; born 6 September 1962)^[1] is a former Estonian diplomat, Undersecretary for Legal and Consular Affairs, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Undersecretary for Foreign Economic Relations and Development Aid at Foreign Affairs Ministry and current Minister for Foreign Affairs, she was nominated by the Reform Party, but is independent and has never been affiliated to any political party.^[1] In 2011–2014, Kaljurand was the Ambassador of Estonia to the United States and Mexico and in 2011–2013 also to Canada, in 2007–2011 Estonian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, in 2005–2008 to the Russian Federation and in 2004–2006 to Israel.^[1] In July 2015, the Reform Party nominated Kaljurand as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs after Keit Pentus-Rosimannus had resigned. Her tenure began on 16 July 2015.^[2] Kaljurand is of Latvian and Russian descent through her father and mother, respectively.^[3] She holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Tartu (cum laude), has also graduated from the Estonian School of Diplomacy and has acquired a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States.^[1]

Early Life and Education

Kaljurand was born in Tallinn, where she obtained her high school diploma. She graduated from University of Tartu in 1986.

Diplomatic Career

Ambassador to Russia

Attacks on Embassy

Ambassador Kaljurand with President Putin in 2006

Foreign Minister

As Minister of Foreign Affairs Marina Kaljurand has frequently emphasised importance of efficient Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as well as a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

Ambassador Kaljurand with President Obama in the Oval Office in 2011

Release of Eston Kohver

Estonian and Latvian Foreign Minister wearing yellow ribbons to suport Eston Kohver

Relations with EU

Kaljurand with Philip Hammond in 2015

Relations with U.S.

Kaljurand with John McCain and other members of U.S Senate

Kaljurand with U.S. and Estonian soldiers

Relations with Russia

Incidents near border

One of the leading Estonian television broadcasts “Pealtnägija” reported that in 2015 alone, "Russian military aircraft have flown with turned off transponders 266 times near Estonian borders." Marina Kaljurand then made an statement to the press saying Russia has given no explanations on these incidents. Each of the 266 incidents have caused NATO fighter jets to scramble from Ämari to intercept and identify the aircraft with switched off transponders. Kaljurand said this is a very serious problem and Estonia has repeatedly demanded answers from Russia. “Every meeting I have had with the Russian ambassador we have talked about aircraft with switched off transponders being dangerous, they are a threat to all air traffic over the Baltic Sea,” she said. Having their transponders switched off turnes the aircraft invisible to most radars used by civil air traffic control. Kaljurand said the ambassador always replies that he will inform Moscow. “He is yet to give a thorough, rational, logical answer,” she added. ^[4]

Soviet reparations question

Justice Minister and former Defence Minister Urmas Reinsalu (IRL) signed a memorandum with the other two Baltic justice ministers on cooperation to submit reparation demands to Russia. Kaljurand then responded that «The foreign ministry and Estonian government are not intending to take actual practical steps regarding that.» ^{[5] [6]}

Border Treaty

As Foreign Minister Ms Kaljurand continued the work of former ministers to sign border treaty between Estonia and Russia. Government´s border treaty bill includes two treaties and a separate agreement on the delimitation of maritime areas near Narva and the Gulf of Finland, will establish the state border between Estonia and Russia. The ratification of international treaties which modify the borders of Estonia requires a two thirds majority in Parliament. ^[7] The current bill has already been heavily criti by some conservative MPs. EKRE MP Henn Põlluaas said that Estonia do not need the border treaty and it is harmful to Estonia. In his opinion, the issue is in sovereignty and whether Estonia wants to protect its territorial integrity.

Personal Life

Kaljurand speaks five languages: Estonian, Russian, English, Finnish and French. She is married with two children - daughter Kaisa (born 1987) and son Kristjan (born 1992).

Gender Equality

Marina Kaljurand has been a vocal supporter of women rights. At the Achieving Gender Equality conference in Tbilisi she said "The political agreements and legal frameworks are in place – now the countries need to start implementing them more efficiently. Everyone benefits from a larger proportion of women in politics and the economy - equal participation will revitalize the economy and increase overall satisfaction."^[8]

Possible Presidential Candidate in 2016

According to polls, many Estonians would like to see Marina Kaljurand as the next president, when Toomas Hendrik Ilves´ term as President of Estonia ends. 20.3 percent of the respondents would like to see her as president, with Edgar Savisaar (12.6 percent) in second, followed by Siim Kallas (10.6 percent) and Indrek Tarand (9.5 percent). Kaljurand is the most popular candidate for both sexes, for all education levels and age groups and all income brackets, except for those making 300 or less euros per month. ^[9] She would be the country's first female president.

References

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