Icelandic president begins state visit to Estonia

Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir began a state visit to Estonia on Wednesday with a programme focused on bilateral cooperation, regional security and the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence, ERR reports.

Tómasdóttir is visiting Estonia at the invitation of President Alar Karis and is accompanied by her husband, Björn Skúlason. The visit runs from August 19 to 21 and includes meetings with Karis, Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar and Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

The two countries are expected to discuss economic, educational and cultural cooperation, innovation, Iceland’s relations with the European Union, continued support for Ukraine and transatlantic relations.

The visit began with a welcoming ceremony at Tallinn Town Hall Square. The presidents also attended the Estonia-Iceland Business Forum, where they discussed opportunities for economic and innovation cooperation.

Tómasdóttir visited cyber exercise grounds and the CR14 cyber defence competence centre, and laid a wreath at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Monument. Karis and his wife, Sirje Karis, hosted the Icelandic presidential couple at a state dinner at the Arvo Pärt Centre.

Sirje Karis and Björn Skúlason visited the Centre of Food and Fermentation Technologies, where they were shown innovations in food and biotechnology. They also visited the Niguliste Museum and its historic church tower, as well as Anni Arro’s studio.

On Thursday, the presidential couples will attend a ceremonial flag-raising on Toompea marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence. The presidents will also address a ceremonial session of the Riigikogu and the 20 August Club, and attend a reception hosted by the Karises in the Rose Garden.

The programme also includes visits to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe and Tallinn TV Tower, as well as an introduction to the activities of HK Unicorn Squad and the Kuri Kotkas drone programme. The presidents will greet visitors at a family day at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.

On Friday, Tómasdóttir and Skúlason will visit Pelgulinna State Gymnasium in Tallinn and learn about the TI-Hüpe education innovation programme.

The state visit will end with a departure ceremony at Island Square, a symbolic location named in recognition of Iceland being the first country to recognise Estonia’s restored independence.

During her meeting with Tómasdóttir at Kadriorg, Karis praised the courage of the Icelandic people in supporting the restoration of Estonia’s independence.

“Iceland’s decision to recognise us 35 years ago set an example for other countries through its courage and continues to confirm the power of a small nation in international politics,” Karis said.