The Estonian head of state thanked Denmark for its contribution to reinforcing the security of Estonia and the Baltic region as a whole. “Our defence cooperation has been fruitful and is constantly evolving, because looking for solutions to the energy crisis is also helping to significantly bolster our joint security,” he said. “Estonia is inspired by Denmark’s role in leading the green transition, which will aid in developing new technologies and making human activities much more environmentally friendly. The best example of our two countries’ like-mindedness in this regard is the cooperation between Ørsted and Enefit in the field of renewable energy.”
In meeting with Danish parliamentary speaker Henrik Dam Kristensen and the members of the management board of the parliament, President Karis stressed the importance of showing continued support for Ukraine. “The Ukrainians are fighting the war in defence of European values, and what they need first and foremost is hope and motivation,” he said. “Granting them candidate country status is a geostrategic decision that will affect our future, and now is the appropriate time to make that decision.”
President Karis expressed his gratification at the Danes voting in a recent referendum to abolish the country’s EU defence opt-out, which in his view will lead to new strategic prospects for defence and military cooperation between the Nordic countries and Baltic States. Touching upon preparations for the forthcoming NATO summit in Madrid, the head of state said that Estonia’s main objective is for a policy decision to be taken enabling rapid progress to be made in decisively strengthening the alliance’s defence and deterrence position. “NATO’s eastern flank must be reinforced in a way that is credible and longer-term in its outlook than has previously been the case,” he advised. The head of state thanked Denmark for its contribution over many years to bolstering the security of Estonia and the Baltic region and for its outstanding bilateral cooperation on defence.
The meeting with the members of the management board of the Danish parliament also covered opportunities for further economic cooperation, which is currently closest between Estonia and Denmark in the field of energy and the timber industry. However, there are good prospects in the promotion of renewables, the green transition and financial technology.
This evening, President Karis will be giving the opening address at an Estonian-Danish financial technology seminar.
Photos: Office of the President of the Republic & Royal Household of Denmark
