President Karis: Estonia and Finland connect the Baltic and Nordic countries

TALLINN – During a meeting with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb, President Alar Karis emphasized the significant role of Estonia and Finland in intensifying cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and strengthening the region.

‘We have much in common with the Finns – our language, culture, and way of thinking – which is why we often understand each other perfectly with just a few words. We have a shared history and memory, connected by centuries of ties, thousands of visible and invisible threads. Our culture, economy, and security are intertwined, and the cooperation between our countries is practical and forward-looking,’ noted President Karis.

‘Estonia and Finland can together play an important role in uniting the Nordic and Baltic countries into a strong regional force. The NB8 is emerging as one of the most cohesive and strategically important regional partnerships in Europe. Its uniqueness lies not only in geographical proximity but also in a shared understanding of threats and a high level of trust between our countries. Stronger regional cooperation also means a stronger NATO and a more capable European Union,’ the head of state noted.

‘Regarding Russia, our position is clear. Russia continues to pose the most serious threat to European security. Its aggression against Ukraine calls into question the fundamental principles of European stability. Our response must remain firm: continued support for Ukraine, sustained pressure on Russia, and a clear commitment to strengthening Europe's defense capabilities along with strong transatlantic cooperation,’ said President Karis.

‘Europe must be represented at every table where European security is discussed. Ukraine's peace negotiations do not seem to be progressing at the moment, but we must be prepared for all developments. Europe must take a strong position to help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace. Looking ahead, Ukraine's future is in NATO and the European Union,’ said the Estonian head of state.

President Karis and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo discussed the persistent threat from their common neighbor, Russia, support for Ukraine and sanctions, as well as cross-border connections like electricity and communication cables and Rail Baltica. Defense cooperation was a key topic. ‘Just as our economies are connected, we also have many shared interests and opportunities to combine the expertise of our defense industries and cooperate,’ said the Estonian head of state.

At a meeting with the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, European security, support for Ukraine, and Baltic Sea region cooperation were discussed. ‘The long-standing cooperation between the Estonian and Finnish parliaments is close and substantive, both at the committee and friendship group levels,’ noted President Karis.

At the invitation of Finnish head of state Alexander Stubb, President Alar Karis, accompanied by his wife Sirje Karis, is on a state visit to Finland today and tomorrow. The presidential delegation includes members of the Riigikogu Henn Polluaas and Mati Raidma, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, Commander of the Defense Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, and large business and cultural delegations. The Finnish presidential couple was on a state visit to Estonia in 2024.