President Karis was presented with an honorary doctorate by Vytautas Magnus University

President Alar Karis was presented with an honorary doctorate by Vytautas Magnus University. The head of state gave an honorary doctor's lecture to the academic family of the university, focusing on the historical proximity of Estonia and Lithuania, European security and strengthening of defence capabilities, support for Ukraine, technological development, regional cooperation and demographic problems.

In his lecture, President Karis discussed the historical proximity and common journey of Estonia and Lithuania. "Although our origins are different, we have a lot of history in common, both good and bad, turbulent times and happy days," said the head of state, emphasising the similar experience and close cooperation between the two states.

Speaking of the security situation, President Karis said that times have become increasingly anxious. "There is too much discontent in the air, too much hatred, too much aggression. It seems that the world is losing its direction, that the post-war world order, which has been firmly in place until now, has started to crumble. The glue that holds the mindset and unity of countries, of democracies, together is coming loose."

President Karis stressed that stability and orderly affairs are lifelines for small states. "What should be done to not get lost in the storm? How much of the tide rushing in can be turned through our own effort? One thing is certain. If we do nothing, then the likelihood of getting lost to eternity is much higher," he warned.

According to the President of the Republic, stopping war and preserving a rules-based world order is at the heart of European security. "First, we have to ensure that war in Europe - all too close to us - is stopped and that Ukrainians who are defending their independence and freedom will prevail, that justice will win," the head of state said. He considered it necessary that the present world order and the principles it is based on - territorial integrity and sovereignty of people, peaceful settlement of disputes, right to self-determination, human rights and dignity - will not crumble and fade away.

Speaking about the future of Europe, President Karis stressed the need to strengthen both the defence capability and unity. "Europe should become stronger: stronger militarily, stronger in cohesion and unity, stronger in striving for the future," he said. "We all know that together we are stronger, together we will achieve more than if we go forward in separate ways."

When speaking about the importance of technological development, the head of state noted that Europe's competitiveness depends on its ability to develop and implement new solutions. "Artificial intelligence, nano-technology, biotech, space and robotics should become our strengths," said President Karis.

In the context of regional cooperation, he highlighted the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format NB8. "It is not just security or trade that binds us - more importantly, it is our understanding of happiness, well-being, human attitudes and aspirations," said President Karis, adding that it is time to take the next step in our togetherness to make Northern Europe, the region of NB8, the best place to live and fulfil your dreams.

The President of the Republic also addressed demographic problems in his lecture. "Both of our societies are ageing and declining," he noted, stressing the need to find solutions that would help keep people in their home countries. "Otherwise, if nothing else, we will soon face the problem of how to maintain the State, how to fulfil all the tasks that lie before us, and how to ensure peaceful and freedom-based prosperity for our people."

Full text of the speech (translation into Estonian): https://president.ee/et/ametitegevus/koned/58426

Gallery: (Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCR7hr