President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel to Pay a State Visit to Estonia

At the invitation of President Alar Karis, the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlová will pay a state visit to Estonia on 27-28 May. The visit reaffirms the close allied relations between Estonia and the Czech Republic and the strong cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, defence, cybersecurity, business, education and science.

"Estonia and the Czech Republic share a very similar understanding of European security and of how to maintain strong allied relations," said President Alar Karis. "The Czech Republic is an important partner for Estonia both in NATO and the European Union, and we are pleased to see our cooperation growing in defence, cybersecurity, business, science and education. Our countries are also connected through practical cooperation - from Czech fighter jets helping to protect Baltic airspace to Czech trains and trolleybuses operating in Estonian cities."

The meetings during the state visit will focus on the European security situation, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture, continued support for Ukraine, and cooperation in cybersecurity, the defence industry and energy. Discussions will also cover transatlantic relations, strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, and regional cooperation within the NB8 framework and the Three Seas Initiative.

Estonia considers it important to deepen cooperation with the Czech Republic in digital and cybersecurity issues, including the use of artificial intelligence in education as well as preventing and responding to cyber threats. Estonia and the Czech Republic also aim to expand defence industry cooperation and create new opportunities for collaboration between businesses and research institutions.

On Wednesday, 27 May, President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis will welcome the Czech presidential couple at an official welcoming ceremony at Freedom Square in Tallinn. This will be followed by the laying of a wreath at the Victory Column of the War of Independence and a meeting between the Estonian and Czech heads of state in Kadriorg. After the meeting, the presidents will hold a joint press conference.

During the visit, President Pavel will also meet Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Speaker of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar.

The two heads of state will speak at the CyCon conference organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE).

President Alar Karis and President Petr Pavel will open the Estonia-Czech business seminar focusing on strengthening cooperation in the fields of digital technologies, cybersecurity and the defence industry. President Pavel will also familiarise himself with Czech-made ELRON trains and Tallinn trolleybuses currently in use in Estonia.

President Alar Karis and Sirje Karis will host a state dinner in honour of President Pavel and Eva Pavlová at the Arvo Pärt Centre.

On Thursday, 28 May, the Estonian and Czech heads of state will visit the Baltic Defence Line facilities in South Estonia and receive an overview of Estonia's efforts to strengthen border security and defence capabilities. In Tartu, the presidents will attend the signing of a cooperation memorandum between the University of Tartu and Masaryk University and meet Czech lecturers and students.

As part of the visit, Eva Pavlová and Sirje Karis will visit Naissaar Island, where they will learn about the island's history and community life and visit St Mary's Chapel on Naissaar.

Official photos and video material from the state visit will be published here (authors Karli Saul and Ivan Panasjuk):https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/