President Karis: The United Kingdom has been a security partner to Estonia for more than a century

In meeting with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in Kadriorg today, President Alar Karis emphasised the long and unwavering friendship between Estonia and the United Kingdom, which dates back to the early 20th century. He thanked the United Kingdom for its committed contribution to bolstering the security of the region, including during current critical times.

"The British are our key ally," the head of state remarked. "The presence of their troops in Estonia and their leading role in NATO serve as pillars of security in our region. The United Kingdom's commitment has helped to reinforced the alliance's eastern flank, and it has provided people in Estonia with a sense of security." He recalled his meeting last month with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and naval officers at the Port of Tallinn, where the British frigate HMS Iron Duke was docked.

President Karis acknowledged the United Kingdom's repeated contributions to the NATO air policing mission in Ämari and the active role the country has played in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). "The Nordic Warden naval operation and the preparedness of the British forces show that our partnership is not merely symbolic, but also practical and fruitful," he said. "I look forward to the first deployment exercise of the British Infantry Brigade to Estonia."

Touching on cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom, the head of state stressed the importance of boosting defence cooperation. "The geopolitical situation we are faced with calls for a stronger alliance and preparedness across the board to respond to emerging threats," he urged.

Other matters discussed during the meeting were Russia's war of aggression and the need to support Ukraine, the complex situation in the Middle East, the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere, the world economy and potential uses for artificial intelligence.

As part of his visit to Estonia, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh also met with British troops stationed in Tapa. This was the Duke's third official visit to the country.