Estonia honors Turkish ambassador with state decoration

By Tugrul Cam

ANKARA (AA) - Estonia on Wednesday honored Turkish Ambassador to Tallinn with a state decoration for her contributions to further relations between two countries.

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu gave the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana to Hayriye Kumascioglu on behalf of the country’s President Kersti Kaljulaid.

The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is bestowed as the highest decoration on foreigners who have performed special services to Estonia.

"As much as I can, as an ambassador, I have made an effort to contribute to the relations between our country and Estonia.

"I am honored that my efforts were appreciated and to be granted with such a state decoration," Kumascioglu told Anadolu Agency.

Kumascioglu, who has been working in Tallinn for more than four years, said Estonia and Turkey are friendly and allied nations.

She said she has gained acceptance during her tenure in Tallinn, and that it stems from respect for and trust in Turkey.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar