President Karis to discuss defence, US relations and Ukraine with heads of state of Arraiolos Group

President Alar Karis is travelling to the Arraiolos Group meeting in Kraków in Poland, which tonight and tomorrow will focus on boosting transatlantic cooperation, supporting Ukraine and reinforcing European security.

EU enlargement, energy security and efforts to counter Russia's military and political aggression will also be discussed.

President Karis' wife Sirje Karis will be taking part in the programme for the spouses of the heads of state attending the meeting.

The Arraiolos Group meetings began in 2003, providing a platform for discussions between heads of state not involved in the work of the EU Council. In addition to Estonia, the group includes Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia.

President Karis will be returning to Estonia on Saturday.