On February 11, the ministry informed Georgia's chargé d'affaires that Estonia's ambassador in Tbilisi, Marge Mardisalu-Kahar, will conclude her mission on March 10.

Until a new ambassador is appointed, Estonia's Embassy in Georgia will be headed by Chargé d'Affaires Gita Kalmet, the ministry added.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to specify when a new ambassador to Georgia might be appointed.

Relations between Tallinn and Tbilisi have cooled after the ruling Georgian Dream party took power at the end of 2024. The new government has halted its accession process with the European Union, introduced a Russian-inspired foreign agent law for NGOs, and suppressed protests.

In response, Estonia has sanctioned officials involved in the violent suppression of protestors as well as the prime minister, and reduced funding for Georgian development projects. The Riigikogu said it would not recognize the legitimacy of Georgia's government and president. 

Outlining the policy towards the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "supporting Georgian institutions is no longer a foreign policy priority for Estonia".

Tallinn continues to support the development of civil society and free media, as well as Georgia's territorial integrity, the ministry said, noting that an Estonian expert is serving with the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

The two countries opened embassies in each other's capitals in 2006 and 2007, respectively, though Georgia currently does not have an ambassador in Estonia.

Estonia was also a strong supporter of Georgia's democratic transition and EU aspirations for more than a decade. It gave millions of euros in aid and funded projects and was a "priority country" for development cooperation.

Relations with Armenia warming up

Mardisalu-Kahar will continue her work as ambassador to Armenia, where Estonia plans to open an embassy in March. She will become Estonia's first resident ambassador in Yerevan, the ministry said.

The government decided last November to open a diplomatic mission in the Armenian capital. A new office of the Estonian Refugee Council was also opened in Yerevan at the same time.

Estonia's relations with Armenia have begun to develop rapidly after 2023, when Russia failed to guarantee the country's security in a conflict with Azerbaijan and Yerevan started looking westwards.

"Estonia's relations with Armenia are stable and good and have been on an upward trajectory since 2023. Bilateral visits and meetings have taken place at the level of presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states on its website.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) even said Estonia should take steps to recognize the Armenian genocide during a visit to Yerevan on December 13.

The president and prime minister of Armenia have both visited Estonia since 2023.

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