President Karis says that Estonia and Portugal are united by common values and an understanding that European security is contingent upon unity and shared responsibility. “This state visit is confirmation of our readiness to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, the economy, science and education,” he explained.
On Thursday, the head of state will not only be meeting with President de Sousa, but also with President of the Assembly of the Republic José Pedro Aguiar Branco, Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel and Mayor of Lisbon Carlos Moedas. These meetings will address the bolstering of European security, continued support for Ukraine and global issues within the framework of UN cooperation.
On Friday, the heads of state will be opening the Estonia-Portugal Business Forum, which will focus on digital innovation and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Together with a business delegation, President Karis will also visit Bolt’s Lisbon office.
With a view to fostering defence cooperation, President Karis will be visiting the Monte Real airbase, where he will meet with Portuguese pilots who participated in the Baltic air-policing mission in Estonia.
As part of cooperation between Estonia and Portugal in the field of education, a representative of Tallinn University accompanying the heads of state will sign a cooperation agreement with partner university ISEC Lisboa. A similar agreement will be signed between the Portuguese Association of Environmental Technology Companies and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote the development of economic relations.
In the evening, President Karis will be attending a reception hosted by Estonian ambassador Moonika Kase at the Thalia Theatre in honour of the state visit, at which violinist Hans Christian Aavik and pianist Havryil Sydoryk will perform a musical gift to Portugal.
The head of state is being accompanied on the visit by members of the Riigikogu, Estonian-Portuguese Friendship Group chair Annely Akkermann and member Raimond Kaljulaid, and Deputy Chief of Defence Brigadier General Viktor Kalnitski. The education delegation includes Estonian University of Life Sciences rector Ülle Jaakma and director of the Institute of Forestry and Engineering Marek Metslaid, Estonian Business School (EBS) rector Meelis Kitsing, Tallinn University education psychologist Õnne Uus, and Secretary General of Universities Estonia Hanna Kanep.
The 20-strong business delegation includes Estonian entrepreneurs from the fields of legal services, IT and digital solutions, green tech, the energy efficiency and electronics industry, defence and drone technology, export and trading companies, tourism and travel services and the timber industry, as well as representatives of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Gallery (photos to be added during visit): Karli Saul/Office of the President https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums/
