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.

About Maryland Sister States: https://www.marylandsisterstates.org/about-harju-county-estonia/