President Karis: We need well-functioning connections for security – fast transport and a secure electricity grid

President Alar Karis met with Kęstutis Budrys, the new Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Kadriorg to discuss security in our region, the Rail Baltic project and the synchronisation of the electricity system of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the Continental European frequency band.

"We need well-functioning connections for security, whether it's a reliable electricity supply or fast rail and road transport," said President Karis. "From 6 January, Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius trains are running with harmonised timetables - this is a clear sign of good cooperation between our countries." He added that the Rail Baltic project is going according to plan in Estonia.

President Karis acknowledged the good cooperation between Estonia and Lithuania and also emphasised the importance of synchronising electricity grids. "Projects are on schedule, but we have to take potential threats into account," said the Estonian Head of State. "Cooperation before and after synchronisation is essential, especially in the current security environment."

The protection of critical infrastructure, where the frequency of incidents on the Baltic Sea has recently increased, was also discussed at the meeting. "These incidents are not random, but may be deliberate," said President Karis. "Estonia has increased the presence of its Navy in the Gulf of Finland in the vicinity of the Estlink 1 power cable. We have to find better ways to protect the infrastructure of allies and prevent future attacks. A stronger presence of NATO on the Baltic Sea is very important here."

The importance of continued support for Ukraine was also discussed, as well as the situation in Georgia and Belarus, and issues related to China.

Gallery: Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBXDtr