Estonia Decides to Close Embassy in Brazil to Cut Spending

The Estonian government has decided to close its embassy in Brazil to reduce spending, the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the statement, the embassy in Brazil is due to be closed on January 1, 2017. However, three honorary consuls will continue to work on Estonia's behalf in the country.

"Our diplomats have been doing a good job, protecting the country's interests in the fields of security, economy <…> However, if the country has to cut spending, we should do it as well," Estonian Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand said.

Kaljurand noted that for Estonia it was especially important to keep its embassies in EU countries and in NATO member states open.