The Republic of Estonia has had a diplomatic representation in Stockholm since the end of World War I. Until the interruption of diplomatic relations in 1940, the Estonian legation was located in rented fl ats in the district of Östermalm in central Stockholm. Steps were taken in the 1930s to purchase a suitable property in the same area, but these endeavours were cut short in 1940 when diplomatic ties were severed by the Soviet Union’s occupation of Estonia. After Estonia regained independence in August 1991, diplomatic contacts between Estonia and Sweden were resumed. In 1997 an appropriate building for the embassy was purchased at Tyrgatan 3 by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy opened its doors on 17 June 1998 after extensive reconstruction.