Välisriigi

Välisriigi is the genitive form of the Estonian noun välisriik, which means a foreign state or country. The term is used in both everyday and official language to refer to matters that pertain to a country other than one’s own, or to objects and concepts associated with such countries. In practice, välisriigi is found in phrases that denote possession, relation, or jurisdiction related to a foreign state, such as välisriigi seadus (the law of a foreign state) or välisriigi suhted (foreign-state relations).

The word is formed from välis-, meaning external or foreign, and riik, meaning state or country. Välisriigi functions as a possessive/controller noun in sentences, allowing Estonian speakers to distinguish between domestic and foreign contexts. The corresponding plural is välisriigid, used when speaking about multiple foreign states.

In legal and diplomatic contexts, the concept of a foreign state is central. International law treats foreign states as sovereign entities with certain rights and duties, and states interact through diplomacy, treaties, and international organizations. In Estonian official language, discussions of foreign affairs frequently employ välisriigi-related expressions, including law, policy, and cooperation with foreign states. Government bodies such as the Välisministeerium (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) regularly address topics involving foreign states and foreign-state relations.

See also: riik (state), välisuhed (foreign relations), rahvusvaheline õigus (international law).