“We are allies in NATO and tend to see Europe’s problems in the same light,” President Karis said after the meeting. “Given the crisis facing Ukraine, it is vital that military defence capabilities also be reinforced in Eastern Europe as part of NATO cooperation.” Another topic discussed during the meeting was security in the Baltic Sea region. The Estonian head of state thanked Norway for contributing to the security of the Baltic States by taking part in the air-policing mission and for its forces stationed locally as part of the NATO presence in the region.
During their meeting, the Estonian head of state and Norwegian head of government also spoke about the Arctic and the importance of the work of the Arctic Council, with President Karis stating that Estonian scientists wished to contribute more to issues related to the polar region. He also thanked Norway for its many years of friendship and cooperation.
As part of his first official visit to Norway, President Karis also visited the Norwegian parliament and the country’s Institute of International Affairs, where Arctic security issues were discussed, and met with Crown Prince Haakon. Today the head of state will be opening new rooms at the Estonian embassy in Oslo.
President Karis will be returning to Estonia this evening.
