“Estonia and the Czech Republic think alike on many important issues,” said President Karis. “We both know from history how important freedom is and why it must be defended. This experience still shapes the way we see security and strong alliances today.”
“We highly appreciate the contribution of Czechia to our common security, including their participation in the Baltic Air Security Mission and the Czech military presence in the region,” said the head of state. “A stronger Europe needs a stronger defence industry, better military mobility and closer cooperation between allies.”
“In addition to the defence industry, we see common opportunities primarily in the digital and cyber fields as well as in education and science, and a business delegation is accompanying the Czech President on his state visit to promote economic relations,” President Karis noted.
The meeting between the Estonian and Czech heads of state in Kadriorg focused on the security situation in Europe, the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities, continued support for Ukraine, and cooperation in the fields of cyber security, defence industry and energy. Transatlantic relations, the strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities and regional cooperation in the framework of the North-Baltic Cooperation and the Three Seas Initiative were also discussed.
At the invitation of President Karis, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, is on a state visit to Estonia with his wife, Eva Pavlová, on 27–28 May. This morning, President Karis and Sirje Karis welcomed the Czech presidential couple at an official reception ceremony in Freedom Square. This was followed by laying a wreath at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Monument and a meeting of Estonian and Czech heads of state in Kadriorg.
During his visit, the Czech head of state will also meet with the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, and Prime Minister Kristen Michal today.
The heads of state spoke at the CyCon Conference organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). President Alar Karis and the Czech President will open an Estonian-Czech business seminar focusing on closer cooperation in the digital, cyber and defence fields. The Czech President will also take a look at the ELRON trains used in Estonia and the trolleybuses used in Tallinn, both of which are of Czech origin. President Karis and Sirje Karis will host a state dinner in honour of the Czech President and Eva Pavlová at the Arvo Pärt Centre.
On Thursday 28 May, the Estonian and Czech heads of state will visit the facilities of the Baltic defence line in southeastern Estonia and will get an overview of the strengthening of Estonia’s border security and defence capabilities. In Tartu, the presidents will participate in the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the University of Tartu and Masaryk University and will meet Czech academics and students.
Eva Pavlová, wife of the Czech President, and Sirje Karis will visit Naissaar, where they will learn about the island’s history and community life and visit the Chapel of St Mary.
Photos (Karli Saul/Office of the President of the Republic): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUWze
