Estonian president: For security, we need well-functioning connections

TALLINN - In a meeting with Lithuania's new Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in Kadriorg on Friday, Estonian President Alar Karis stressed that security requires well-functioning connections -- fast transport connections and a secure electricity grid.

The meeting discussed the Rail Baltic project and the synchronization of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian electricity systems with the continental European frequency area.

"For security, we need well-functioning connections, be it a secure electricity connection or high-speed rail and road transport. From January 6, Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius trains run with harmonized schedules -- this is a clear sign of good cooperation between our countries," Karis said according to spokespeople.

He added that the Rail Baltic project is progressing as planned in Estonia.

The president hailed the good cooperation between Estonia and Lithuania and also stressed the importance of the synchronization of electricity networks.

"The projects are on schedule, but we have to take into account the potential risks. Cooperation before and after the synchronization is essential, especially in the current security environment," said the Estonian head of state.

The protection of critical infrastructure was also discussed, in the context of the recent increase in incidents in the Baltic Sea.

"These are not accidental, but may be deliberate attacks. Estonia has increased the presence of its Navy in the Gulf of Finland near the Estlink 1 electricity cable. We need to find better ways to protect allied infrastructure and prevent future attacks. NATO's reinforced presence in the Baltic Sea is very important for this," Karis noted.

They Estonian president and the Lithuanian minister also talked about the importance of continued support for Ukraine, touched on the situation in Georgia and Belarus, and talked about China.