The head of state said that Estonia is a vocal advocate of EU expansion, since it creates stability, security and well-being based on common European values. “The countries in the Western Balkans have our full backing on their path to EU accession,” he said. “We would be more than happy to share our experience with them of implementing reforms.”
During the meeting, President Karis stressed the importance of enhancing cybersecurity and raised the possibility of bilateral cooperation in that field. He also spoke of Estonia and Albania working more closely together in the economic and digital spheres.
In his discussions with President Begaj the head of state emphasised the importance of continued political and practical assistance for Ukraine and of rebuilding the country. “We want to keep NATO’s door open to new members, including Ukraine, so that there are no more grey zones within Europe,” he explained, adding that all those who have committed war crimes in the beleaguered country must be punished and that the children deported from areas occupied by Russia must be returned to their homeland.
The meeting also touched on preparations for the NATO summit in Vilnius. “Raising defence spending is important to us, as is reinforcing the defensive capabilities of all member countries in the alliance in order to make the defence of every inch of NATO territory a reality,” President Karis said.
The head of state recognised Albania for its actions during its time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
This is President Karis’ first visit to Albania. Today he laid a wreath in the cemetery of Albania’s national heroes in Tirana before laying flowers on the graves of the Albanian soldiers killed in the course of the eFP mission in Adazi. Tomorrow he will be meeting with the speaker of the Albanian parliament Lindita Nikolla and Prime Minister Edi Rama, with whom he will be discussing Albania’s European integration and closer bilateral relations between Estonia and Albania, primarily pertaining to the e-state.
In addition to his meetings in Tirana, President Karis today visited Krujë, the historic fortress of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. His itinerary also includes a visit to Berat, known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’, where he will meet with the city’s mayor; a meeting with students from the University of Tirana, where discussions will focus on the development of Estonia’s digital state; and attending, with President Begaj, a cyber training event being organised by the e-Governance Academy.
President Karis will be returning to Estonia on Friday.
Gallery: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic
