Estonian presidential couple embarks on state visit to Latvia

  • 2023-04-24
  • LETA/BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN – Estonian President Alar Karis and First Lady Sirje Karis are on a state visit to Latvia from April 24 to 26 at the invitation of Latvian President Egils Levits.

This will be Karis' first state visit during his presidency, spokespeople for the president's office said last week. 

Karis is to meet on Monday with his Latvian counterpart, Egils Levits, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins and Mayor of Riga Martins Stakis. On Wednesday, the head of state is scheduled to meet with Speaker of the Saeima Edvards Smiltens and give a speech in Estonian before the Latvian parliament.

The president's meetings will focus on strengthening good relations between Estonia and Latvia, particularly in digital affairs and defense, as well as on the preparations for the upcoming NATO summit and continuous comprehensive support to Ukraine. With a view to the development of regional projects and connections, the president is also scheduled to visit the construction of the Riga railway terminal of the Rail Baltic railway and the underground gas storage facility in Incukalns.

The president will be joined on the state visit by Climate Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Economic Affairs and IT Tiit Riisalo, MPs Henn Polluaas and Peeter Tali, commander of the Estonian defense forces Gen. Martin Herem and a delegation of entrepreneurs.