Warm Welcome in Tallinn
August 19, 2026
Photographs: Office of the President of Estonia.
First day of the state visit to Estonia.
The presidential couple greets the Estonian presidential couple at Town Hall Square in Tallinn.
The presidential couple, Ms Halla Tómasdóttir and Mr Björn Skúlason, began a three-day state visit to Estonia this morning. Their hosts are the President of Estonia, Mr Alar Karis, and his wife, Ms Sirje Karis. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the good relations between Iceland and Estonia.
The programme began at 10:00 a.m. with an official welcoming ceremony at Town Hall Square in Tallinn. A brass band played the national anthems of both countries, after which the official delegations were presented to the presidents and their spouses. Afterwards, President Halla Tómasdóttir and her delegation walked to Freedom Square, where a wreath was laid at the monument commemorating the Estonian nation's struggle for independence.
At the official residence of the President of Estonia, President Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse signed the guest book, and the presidential couples exchanged gifts. The Presidents then held a meeting lasting just under an hour, speaking first privately together and afterwards together with representatives of the delegations.
At midday, the Presidents took part in a well-attended business forum held in connection with the visit of an Icelandic trade delegation to Estonia. They discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and ways to ensure that it benefits the public and society.
Afterwards, President Halla Tómasdóttir, the minister, and their delegation attended a working lunch hosted by the Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr Kristen Michal, at the Prime Minister's Office. Following the lunch, they proceeded to the parliament building in Tallinn, where the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Lauri Hussar, received the group. Hussar, together with Estonian members of parliament and officials, then held a meeting with the President and the Icelandic delegation.
Mr Björn Skúlason took part in a special programme together with Ms. Sirje Karis and her entourage. They first visited the TFTAK innovation center, where work is being done on innovation in food production and biotechnology. From there, they went on to the Niguliste Museum, which is dedicated to Estonian history, art, and architecture. The museum is housed in St. Nicholas’ Church, one of Tallinn’s landmarks. Their last stop was Anni Arro Studio, the workshop of food artist Anni Arro, who has run popular restaurants and is known for her cookbooks and cooking shows.
At the end of the day's meetings, what was foremost in the President's mind was the warmth and friendship shown to the presidential couple and the Icelandic delegation. "The ties between Iceland and Estonia have a special history, and here we feel strongly the friendship and mutual respect between our nations. Ahead lie days of dialogue about what unites us and what matters for the future — freedom, democracy, security, education, opportunity, and the threats inherent in new technology," President Halla Tómasdóttir said.
Today's programme concludes with a gala dinner hosted by the President of Estonia and the First Lady at the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa.
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