“Iceland’s decision to recognise us 35 years ago set an example to others for its boldness, and to this day it continues to demonstrate the strength of small nations in international politics,” the head of state remarked.
The meeting in Kadriorg focused on cooperation in the spheres of the economy, education and culture, as well as regional security issues, Iceland’s relations with the EU, ongoing support for Ukraine and transatlantic relations.
“The Nordics and the Baltics today form a regional union, a family, with a strong and ever-growing influence,” President Karis said. “Our values and our people-centred approach are firmly entrenched, and by moving forward together on that basis, we too have a greater chance of reaching that degree of inclusiveness, step by step.”
The state visit by the Icelandic president and her husband began today with a welcoming ceremony on Town Hall Square in Tallinn. The heads of state then took part in the Estonia-Iceland Business Forum, where they discussed opportunities for economic and innovation cooperation between their countries.
“The most important forms of infrastructure in the 21st century that societies must build are trust, creativity and critical thinking,” President Karis noted at the event. “For small nations, it is also important that new technologies recognise and use their languages.”
President Tómasdóttir was also briefed today on the activities of the cyber training grounds and the CR14 Cyber Range before laying a wreath at the foot of the monument to the War of Independence.
This evening, President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis are hosting a state dinner in honour of the Icelandic presidential pair at the Arvo Pärt Centre. On Thursday 20 August, both heads of state and their spouses will be attending a ceremonial flag-raising ceremony on Toompea Hill to mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. Presidents Karis and Tómasdóttir will also be attending a special session of the Riigikogu and the 20th of August Club, at which both will deliver a speech. President Karis and Sirje Karis will then host the Icelandic presidential couple at a reception in the rose garden of the Office of the President to mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence.
The heads of state will also visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe and Tallinn’s TV Tower, and be briefed on the activities of the HK Unicorn Squad and Kuri Kotkas drone programme. Thereafter they will be greeting the public at a family day being held on Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds to mark the anniversary of the restoration of independence.
On Friday, President Tómasdóttir and her husband will be visiting Pelgulinn State Upper Secondary School in Tallinn, where they will be given an overview of the AI Leap programme for educational reform.
The state visit will end with a farewell ceremony on Iceland Square – a symbolic location named in recognition of Iceland being the first country to recognise Estonia’s restored independence.
Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2GjN
Gallery (Egert Kamenik/Office of the President: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2QwS
