Icelandic president begins three-day visit to Estonia

Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir and her husband, Björn Skúlason, have begun a three-day official visit to Estonia at the invitation of Estonian President Alar Karis and his wife, Sirje Karis, mbl.is reports. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The day began with a formal reception at Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, where the national anthems were played and the delegations introduced. The presidents then laid a wreath at the monument to Estonia’s struggle for independence at Freedom Square.

Tómasdóttir and Karis later held talks at the Estonian president’s official residence, where they exchanged gifts, before attending a business forum focused on artificial intelligence and its responsible use. They also had lunch with Prime Minister Kristen Michal and visited the Estonian parliament, where they were received by Speaker Lauri Hussar.

Skúlason took part in a separate programme with Sirje Karis, including visits to an entrepreneurship centre, a museum of Estonian art history and the workshop of a well-known food expert.

At the end of the day, Tómasdóttir said Iceland and Estonia had a special history of relations, characterised by strong friendship and mutual respect. The day’s programme will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by the Estonian presidential couple.