Meeting with the Estonian President and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, met in the Estonian capital with the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. She also visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

The meeting with the President of Estonia at the Kadriorg Presidential Palace was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, political dialogue, and cooperation between Slovenia and Estonia. The Slovenian President highlighted the good and friendly relations between the two countries during the conversation and emphasised that she sees Estonia as a close partner in the European Union and NATO, and that cooperation between Estonia and Slovenia is also strong within the United Nations. The two interlocutors agreed that good cooperation in the political field can lead to even better economic collaboration, which has significantly increased between the two countries in the past year. The trade in goods between the two countries reached EUR 141.4 million in 2024, an increase of 13.5% compared to 2023. Trade in services amounted to EUR 26 million in 2023, an increase of 46% compared to 2022. In the field of direct investments, the value of Estonian investments in 2023 reached EUR 114.5 million, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous year.

Both presidents emphasised in their discussions the urgent need to end the armed conflict in Ukraine, which would send a clear signal that the values of peace and cooperation remain essential for the progress and future of Europe and the world.

The Slovenian President then met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Their discussion again focused primarily on the situation in Ukraine and other current geopolitical challenges. On this occasion, President Pirc Musar stressed that Slovenia supports further strengthening of the European pillar of NATO, transatlantic relations, and an open and constructive dialogue with the United States. The two interlocutors agreed on the need to intensify efforts towards greater EU autonomy in technology, defence, and energy. President Pirc Musar also presented Slovenia’s views on the current developments in the Western Balkans to the EU High Representative. Slovenia remains a firm supporter of the European path for the Western Balkan countries, which will undoubtedly contribute to greater political stability and economic progress.

At the end of the first day of her visit to Estonia, Slovenian President visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, of which Slovenia is a member, and met with the Centre’s Director, Dr Mart Noorma, who introduced her to the Centre’s operations. The mission of the Centre is to foster cooperation and information exchange, enhance capabilities among NATO, partners, and like-minded countries, support member states in developing cyber capabilities, promote interoperability within the Alliance, and cooperate in cyber defence. To this end, the Centre conducts research, training, education, and cyber exercises. During her visit to the Centre, President Pirc Musar observed a simulation of a cyberattack on the electrical grid.

Tomorrow, she will participate in the closing panel of the Lennart Meri Conference titled Allies, Enemies, and Interests, where she will join Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, and Susan Glasser, columnist for The New Yorker magazine, in a discussion.