10/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2025 03:11
President of the Republic Alar Karis met with the heir to the British throne, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, at Windsor Castle today. The meeting focused on cooperation between Estonia and the United Kingdom in the fields of culture, digital development, and science, and the international security situation was also discussed.
"The cultural relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom are long-standing, successful and based on trust," said President Karis, pointing out that this year has brought many musical highlights, especially the 90th birthday of one of the world's most performed living composers, Arvo Pärt, which has been celebrated at the BBC Proms, in the Barbican and in Oxford.
At the meeting, President Karis also emphasised the importance of cooperation between Estonia and the United Kingdom in science, innovation and technology. "The introduction of artificial intelligence is of national importance for Estonia, as it will help strengthen the foundations of the digital state and bring smart learning tools to Estonian students and teachers," said the Estonian Head of State. "However, artificial intelligence can never replace teachers and learning."
The Estonian Head of State also shared Estonia's experience as a digital state and spoke about the role of e-services in the functioning of society. "Estonia is a country where digital solutions have become an inseparable part of everyday life - according to estimates, paperless state saves nearly two per cent of GDP," said President Karis, emphasising that the success of a digital state is based on the trust of society.
The international security situation was also discussed at the meeting. President Karis thanked the United Kingdom for its strong partnership and presence in the Baltic region, including its participation in Exercise Hedgehog, which provided both sides with valuable experience in cooperation. "The United Kingdom is an indispensable security partner for Europe, playing a key role in strengthening Europe's stability and defence," said the Estonian Head of State, encouraging the UK to continue its active contribution to the Eastern Sentry exercise.
At the meeting, President Karis also noted the need to increase both military and political support to Ukraine. "Estonia considers it important that the allies and partners increase pressure on Russia, including through new sanctions, and move forward with the use of Russia's frozen assets," President Karis said. "The goal is to make continuing the war intolerable for Russia and bring it to the negotiating table."
Photos: Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwENc