Lithuanian and Estonian leaders have convened for a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at bolstering regional security and humanitarian cooperation. The state visit, initiated by an invitation from President Gitanas Nausėda, centered on strategic alignment between the two Baltic neighbors.
A primary focus of the visit was the shared commitment to Ukraine’s defense and recovery. On April 15, 2026, First Lady Diana Nausėdienė and her Estonian counterpart, Sirje Karis, met at the Ukraine Center to discuss the critical need for strengthening children’s mental health. During the discussion, Nausėdienė emphasized that Lithuania and Estonia remain steadfast in their comprehensive support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Nausėdienė highlighted the scale of the humanitarian effort in Lithuania, noting that more than 100,000 war refugees have found shelter in the country, including approximately 27,000 minors. She detailed how Ukrainian children are being integrated into Lithuanian preschools and general education institutions, while university students are receiving specialized support to enter higher education.
“We clearly understand that providing psychological assistance to Ukrainian children who have experienced the horrors of war is vitally important,” Nausėdienė stated.
The First Lady advocated for a systematic approach to mental health, arguing that psychological support must become a consistent system accompanying a child’s daily development to protect them from long-term trauma and help them build resilience.
The diplomatic itinerary included a state dinner at the Presidential Palace in honor of the Estonian First Couple. Parallel to the presidential meetings, the Prime Minister of Lithuania met with the Estonian President, asserting the need to utilize every available diplomatic format to strengthen collective security.
The visit underscores the deepening strategic bond between Lithuania and Estonia as they navigate shared security threats and coordinate humanitarian responses in the region.
The diplomatic exchanges were further highlighted by a press conference following the meeting between President Gitanas Nausėda and Estonian President Alar Karis.
