The head of state confirmed that the two countries have a similar understanding of European security and of a world order based on international law. He noted that diplomatic relations between Estonia and Portugal date back more than a hundred years, and described those relations as stronger than ever before.
President Karis underscored the central role of security cooperation in relations between the two countries, thanking Portugal for its long-term contribution to bolstering NATO’s eastern flank and for its involvement in Baltic air-policing. “Portugal’s decision to return to Ämari air base in April is a clear sign of our allies’ solidarity,” he said.
In regard to European security, the head of state stressed that the continent must both increase and improve the efficiency of its defence spending in order to boost its security and further its influence. “All allies must take concrete steps to meet the new defence spending targets,” he urged. “For our part, Estonia’s defence spending will reach 5.4% of GDP next year.”
President Karis said that Estonia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity remains unwavering, and acknowledged Portugal for its staunch support of the beleaguered nation. “We will never accept borders being changed by force, since this is an existential issue for Estonia,” he noted. “Balance must be maintained in the world, and conflicts and crises must be resolved in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. Those principles must not be compromised.”
The head of state added that Estonia will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine, and that it was ready to contribute to the coalition of the willing. “At the same time, there must be no let-up on the pressure being placed on Russia,” he cautioned, before extending an invitation to Portugal to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference being held in Tallinn in February 2027.
During the afternoon, President Karis met with Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, President of the Assembly of the Republic José Pedro Aguiar Branco, and Mayor of Lisbon Carlos Moedas. They discussed ways of further enhancing the bilateral relations between Estonia and Portugal, as well as the security situation in Europe, defence cooperation, economic relations and collaboration in the fields of education and research. The importance of parliamentary cooperation in strengthening international relations was also touched upon.
Today, the head of state will open the Estonian-Portuguese Business Forum ahead of visiting the Monte Real air base and Bolt’s Lisbon office. He will be returning to Estonia on Saturday.
Gallery (Karli Saul/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGJQj
