Iceland's President to Make State Visit to Estonia

From 19 to 21 August, Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir, together with her husband Björn Skúlason, will make a state visit to Estonia. During the visit, she is scheduled to meet Estonian President Alar Karis, Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar and Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The itinerary also includes participation in events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia's independence.

According to the Office of the President of Estonia, the visit confirms the close friendly relations between the two countries and strengthens cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, education and culture. The talks will focus on Estonia-Iceland relations, including economic, educational and cultural cooperation, as well as regional security. The sides are also set to discuss Iceland's relations with the European Union, further support for Ukraine and transatlantic relations.

The state visit will begin on Wednesday, 19 August, with a welcome ceremony at Tallinn's Town Hall Square. On the same day, the Icelandic head of state will meet the Estonian president, the speaker of the Riigikogu and the prime minister. The presidents of Estonia and Iceland will take part in an Estonia-Iceland business forum, where opportunities for economic and innovation cooperation will be discussed. The Icelandic president will also visit the cyber range and cyber defence competence centre CR14 and lay a wreath at the War of Independence Victory Monument.

In the evening, Alar Karis and his wife Sirje Karis will host a state dinner at the Arvo Pärt Centre in honour of the Icelandic presidential couple. On Wednesday, the spouses of the heads of state will visit the Centre for Food and Fermentation Technology, where innovations in food products and biotechnology will be presented. They will then visit the Niguliste Museum and its historic church tower, as well as the studio of Anni Arro.

On Thursday, 20 August, the Estonian and Icelandic presidential couples will take part in a ceremonial raising of the national flag at Toompea, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia's independence. Presidents Alar Karis and Halla Tómasdóttir will also speak at a solemn session of the Riigikogu and the Club of 20 August. In addition, the Icelandic couple will be received in the Rose Garden. The heads of state will visit the Memorial to Victims of Communism at Maarjamäe, the Tallinn TV Tower, and learn about the activities of the HK Unicorn Squad movement and the Kuri Kotkas drone programme. The presidents will greet residents of Tallinn at the family day at the Song Festival Grounds.

On Friday, 21 August, the Icelandic president and her husband will visit Tallinn Pelgulinn State Gymnasium, where they will be introduced to the educational innovation programme TI-Hüpe. The state visit will conclude with a farewell ceremony at Iceland Square, a symbolic place named after Iceland in gratitude for Iceland being the first country to recognise Estonia's restored independence in 1991.