Karis: Estonia supports the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark

TALLINN – President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis met with King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark at Kadriorg in Tallinn on Tuesday during the royal couple's state visit to Estonia, affirming the country's support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The focus of the meeting was on the bilateral relations between Estonia and Denmark, Nordic-Baltic cooperation, support for Ukraine, and strengthening European security. The foreign and defense ministers of Estonia and Denmark also participated in the meeting.

President Karis affirmed that the relationship between Estonia and Denmark is based on long-term trust, like-mindedness, and a common understanding of European security. "This is a strong foundation on which we can build to further deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, education, and culture," Karis said.

"Estonia and Denmark are close allies, and Denmark's support for Estonia has been consistent," noted President Karis.

Denmark never recognized the annexation of the Baltic states by the Soviet Union and was one of the first countries to restore diplomatic relations with Estonia in August 1991. Danish support was also crucial on Estonia's path to NATO and European Union membership, and Denmark has been one of the leaders and supporters of Baltic defense cooperation initiatives.

President Alar Karis confirmed that, similarly, the Kingdom of Denmark can always count on Estonia's support. "Estonia supports the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. The status of sovereign territories cannot be questioned by force or the threat of it," said the head of state.

President Karis highly valued the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) cooperation and activities within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). "We are seeing ever-greater integration and a common identity in the region, and this helps us to more strongly bear the responsibility for the security of the Baltic Sea area," he said.

Denmark held the presidency of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation in 2025, and Estonia holds the presidency this year.

According to President Karis, the goal is to strengthen Nordic-Baltic cooperation in a way that creates rapid and substantive solutions, primarily for security but also for broader political and economic challenges.

Speaking about European security, President Karis recognized Denmark's contribution to the defense of NATO's eastern flank. He said that Denmark's presence in our region and its activities within NATO are a clear sign of allied unity and readiness to deter influence operations and a potential attack.

The Estonian head of state highlighted the importance of Denmark's consistent and practical contribution to supporting Ukraine. He affirmed Estonia's firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. "Ukraine's security guarantees must be substantive, provide the Ukrainian people with genuine assurance, and prevent new military attacks," the Estonian head of state said.

President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis welcomed King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark at Tallinn's Town Hall Square. The visit's itinerary includes a stop at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe and an introduction to the activities of HK Unicorn Squad at the Rakett69 Science Studio.

The royal couple is accompanied on the visit by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. King Frederik X last visited Estonia as Crown Prince in 2018. The current king's mother, Margrethe II, visited Estonia in 2019. That visit marked the 100th anniversary of Estonia and the 800th anniversary of the Danish flag, the Dannebrog.