JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcomed Ambassador Veikko Kala as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to ASEAN, following the presentation of his Letter of Credence to ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Ambassador Kala, who will be based in Singapore, officially assumes the role as Estonia’s fourth envoy to ASEAN, succeeding Ambassador Priit Turk, whose tenure ended in July 2025.
Estonia first appointed an ambassador to ASEAN in 2017, reflecting its growing interest in strengthening ties with the regional bloc.
Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Kala on his appointment and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to working closely with Estonia to expand cooperation.
He encouraged Estonia to explore opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and business-to-business linkages, noting that these areas hold significant potential for mutual benefit.
Ambassador Kala praised ASEAN as a model of regional integration and multilateral cooperation. He expressed Estonia’s readiness to deepen engagement with ASEAN and highlighted the importance of reinforcing multilateralism through the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership, particularly in light of current global geopolitical challenges.
Both sides also looked ahead to the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN–EU Dialogue Partnership in 2027, pledging to commemorate the milestone with initiatives that will enhance visibility and elevate cooperation to new heights.
Observers note that Estonia’s continued diplomatic engagement with ASEAN underscores the EU’s broader strategy of strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
The appointment of Ambassador Kala is expected to further advance collaboration in areas such as digital innovation, sustainable development, and cultural exchange, building on Estonia’s reputation as a leader in e-governance and technology.
The ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat reflects ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to expand its external partnerships, ensuring that member states benefit from diverse international cooperation.
For Estonia, the role provides a platform to contribute to ASEAN’s regional agenda while promoting closer ties between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, EEAS
