President Karis said that Estonia and Latvia could form an economic area marked out by its synergy and by the bold decisions and innovation driving it forward. “We have a wealth of opportunities for research cooperation to promote a knowledge-based economy and new technologies in different fields that would be environmentally friendly and supportive of sustainable development,” he noted. “Our flexibility, in combination with the success stories we have chalked up on both sides of the border, is what will guarantee well-being for both of us in the future. And in that way we can inspire our other partners in Europe and around the globe.”
The Estonian head of state said that the two countries must aim for streamlined data exchange between their systems. “The groundwork has been laid for this,” he said. “Especially since the software systems in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all support one another’s ID cards and digital signatures. Our two countries in particular have been building up our digital societies step by step over the years. That has made getting things done a simpler and more seamless process and brought actual benefits, inasmuch as it has saved us both time and money.”
President Karis also made mention of connections between Latvia and Estonia, which he said should be faster and smoother. “In that regard, Rail Baltic is far from being a luxury that is completely divorced from everyday life, but a much-needed service that will link the entire region from Poland to Finland,” he said. “It too will have the effect of saving us time and money. As such, I urge you to choose the optimum solution that will ensure the fastest pace in moving ahead with the project.”
President Karis also spoke about the widespread adoption of renewable energy, namechecking the joint Estonian-Latvian offshore wind farm ELWIND, which forms part of the broader network of Baltic Sea wind farms. “I am convinced that those of us here on the easternmost shores of the Baltic Sea can be the driving force in green energy globally,” he said. “As small, flexible nations, Latvia and Estonia have the potential to gain a great deal from green growth and innovation. With a smart approach – something for which we are both known – we can be pioneers in sustainable practices and set an example to the rest of the world.”
Speaking of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, President Karis said that it is not only the fate of one beleaguered country that is at stake, but the future of global security. “The kind of world in which we will be living in the years to come is what will be decided in this conflict,” he cautioned. “We are acting as one to push back against the evil that is assailing Ukraine. We are working to ensure that our societies and partners continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainians, and that sceptical countries realise their own fates hang in the balance because of Russia’s aggression. We will only succeed if the free world remains united, if justice prevails and if we are resolute and indefatigable in guaranteeing that.”
Later today the Estonian head of state will also be meeting with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš and Mayor of Riga Mārtiņš Staķis.
Gallery (Raigo Pajula, Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia).
Video of press conference (Office of the President of the Republic of Latvia).
