Ernst Rudolf Jaakson: The world’s longest serving diplomat

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Ernst Rudolf Jaakson who was the longest-serving diplomat in history. Jaakson had an unwavering belief in Estonia's independence and his dedication to maintaining its legal continuity ensured that Estonia's statehood was never forgotten. Jaakson was a symbol of Estonia’s statehood whilst living in exile in the USA.  His diplomatic career spanned 69 years.

 

Ernst Jaakson 1905- 1998 

Jaakson studied economics at the University of Latvia in Riga, and law at the University of Tartu. He later graduated from Columbia University in New York with a degree in economics.

In 1969, Jaakson issued a statement on behalf of Estonia to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. Leaders of 73 countries from around the world contributed to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. These messages were stored on a disc made of silicon and was left on the Moon in 1969 by the Apollo 11 astronauts.  

 

 

Ernst Jaakson was the chief diplomatic representative of Estonia in the United States until Estonia regained independence in 1991.