President Karis met Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal

President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis met with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence in Kadriorg yesterday evening. During their meeting they discussed defence cooperation, assistance for Ukraine and bilateral relations.

“Estonia is grateful to the United Kingdom for its unflagging cooperation,” President Karis remarked. “Our two countries view the current security situation and the challenges we face in the same way, and in a way that is supportive of each other.” The Estonian Head of State highlighted the UK’s role as the framework nation for the NATO Battlegroup based in Estonia and its regular contributions to the alliance’s air security mission in Ämari. He also mentioned the close, long-term cooperation between Estonia and the UK on international military operations, expressing his hope that they would continue to work together in future, including on the Inherent Resolve operation in Iraq.

President Karis underscored the role that the British royal family are playing in assisting Ukraine, noting that its members have set a personal example by inspiring society as a whole, organising charity events and actively interacting with Ukrainian refugees. “The United Kingdom has made a significant contribution to Ukraine being capable of defending itself and has been a leading light to other countries in doing so,” the Head of State remarked.

Discussing cooperation projects, President Karis mentioned that alongside many other areas, Estonia looks to share its experience in the fields of education and technology. He gave the example of the Global Partnership for Education, which Estonia joined in order to support quality education around the world.

The Head of State also expressed his pleasure at the close and multifaceted cultural cooperation between Estonia and the UK, where Estonian culture enjoys a good reputation. He noted in particular that a lot of musicians from the two countries had worked together.

The Princess Royal  last visited Estonia in 2019.