“The security of the Baltic region is not negotiable. Russia’s demands cannot be taken seriously,” said President Karis after the meeting. “Sweden is a very important partner to Estonia and NATO and we share a similar vision of European security.
NATO and the European Union member states are ready for diplomacy and a dialogue with Russia in all relevant formats,” said the head of state. “We find that we can communicate with each other without threats. The build-up of Russian forces on the borders of Ukraine is completely unacceptable and therefore we all call for Russia to de-escalate.”
The discussions also touched upon the current state of the bilateral relations and cooperation in economy, education and other fields. “Our friendly relations are excellent and have lasted for centuries. We have created a lot together and share a common view of the future. We wish for a strong, unified Europe oriented towards green transition. Sweden is a key partner to Estonia and the deepening of our relationship is extremely important in bilateral terms, in the Nordic-Baltic region formats and as part of broader international cooperation,” said the head of state. Recent cooperation within the framework of Estonia’s elected membership in the UN Security Council and other international organisations is a vivid example of the close relations of the two countries on the international scale. “Only together we can promote common regional interests and build the world’s most integrated, sustainable and digital region,” the president assured.
President Karis is on a working visit to Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday and Thursday. Yesterday the head of state visited the Estonian House to meet with the local Estonian community, which has a long history. Today President Karis met with King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf and visited the Estonian School in Stockholm. President Karis also laid a wreath on the memorial for boat refugees and in remembrance of the victims of the MS Estonia ferry disaster.
