Maryland Estonia Exchange Council, Inc.

Sister states and cities

The special relationship between Estonia and Maryland

The special relationship between Estonia and Maryland started in the early 1990s as part of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program at the end of the Cold War. The Maryland National Guard was linked to the Estonian Kaitseliit (Home Guard) as part of a State Partnership Program. Since 2003 Maryland Estonia Exchange Council (MEEC) has been coordinating the non-military links between Estonia and Maryland.

In 2006 and 2009 official agreements were signed formalizing the civilian links. In 2009 the officers of Maryland Estonia Exchange Council became members of the Maryland Secretary of State’s Sister State Advisory Board.

More about Maryland Sister States

Maryland – Estonia Sister Cities:

  • Annapolis – Tallinn
  • Salisbury – Tartu
  • Cumberland – Viljandi
  • Bel Air – Narva
  • Ocean City – Pärnu
  • Charles County – Jõgeva County
  • Oakland – Valga
  • Westminster – Paide

In addition, there are active relationships and exchanges between:

Salisbury University – University of Tartu

University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Estonian Aviation Academy

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Maryland Estonia Exchange Council (MEEC) is to advance the friendship of Maryland and Estonia by providing opportunities that enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen economic, educational, medical, and political/security links.

The purpose of MEEC is to establish and coordinate agreements of international cooperation between the towns, cities, counties and governments of Estonia and Maryland that implement and enhance the above mentioned links.