Alar Karis at Arvo Pärt Centre: Losses Have Taught Us We Must Never Stand Alone Again

Estonian President Alar Karis spoke at a state dinner held in honour of Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlová at the Arvo Pärt Centre. Karis highlighted the growing economic ties between Estonia and the Czech Republic, while emphasising the untapped potential in defence industry cooperation. He stressed that historical losses have shaped a firm resolve never to face threats in isolation.

Estonian President Alar Karis delivered a speech at the Arvo Pärt Centre during a state dinner hosted in honour of Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlová, underlining the importance of deepening bilateral ties between Estonia and the Czech Republic.

Karis noted that while economic relations between the two countries have shown steady growth, significant room for development remains. He pointed specifically to the defence industry as a sector with particular promise in the current geopolitical climate, calling for closer cooperation between Tallinn and Prague in that field.

«Losses have taught us that we must never stand alone again,» Karis said, framing Estonia's foreign and security policy priorities in the context of the country's historical experience. The remark underscored the shared sense of purpose that connects Estonia and the Czech Republic as allies navigating a challenging security environment.

The choice of the Arvo Pärt Centre as the venue for the state dinner carried its own symbolic weight, reflecting Estonia's cultural identity and its ability to combine soft power with high-level diplomatic engagement. The visit by the Czech head of state signals the continued vitality of relations between the two NATO and EU member states.