The event is a double first as not only is it President Boko's first state visit since becoming Botswanan president last November, but it is also the first official state visit by an African head of state to Estonia.

Estonia's President Alar Karis said: "Botswana is an important partner for Estonia in political dialogue as well as in business diplomacy and development cooperation."

"We are also united by a strong belief in democracy and a world order based on rules. Estonian companies are interested in developing cooperation with Botswanan partners in the field of digital technologies, and as a state, we're happy to share the experience of our digital state in order to jointly promote innovation," added President Karis, who along with First Lady Sirje Karis, visited Botswana last year.

Honoured to welcome President of #Botswana @BWPresidency. This historic visit confirms our close friendship & a partnership that will shine like a carefully cut diamond. We discussed global security, digital coop., Russia's colonial mindset in #Ukraine, & conflicts in #Africa . pic.twitter.com/l3Vpmsar50

— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) May 20, 2025

President Karis welcomed the President of Botswana at a reception ceremony in front of the Office of the President of the Republic in Kadriorg on Tuesday, which was followed by a meeting of the presidents and a joint press conference.

The heads of state talked about guaranteeing peace and security in both Europe and Africa. "Russia's war against Ukraine reflects a dangerous colonialist mindset," President Karis remarked, decrying "a belief that major powers can simply erase others' sovereignty. And their war of aggression is having worldwide consequences: raising food prices, threatening energy supplies and exacerbating instability in vulnerable regions."

Karis stressed that Estonia remains a staunch supporter of peace and security in Africa. "We are contributing to the EU mission in Mozambique, and we support international efforts to thwart terrorism and foreign intervention," he noted.

Robust, well-functioning cooperation is required at the international level to tackle global crises, the Estonian president added. "We need a credible UN whose Security Council reflects the realities of the world today," he said. "Africa deserves a stronger voice, and the UN General Assembly should be given a more meaningful role."

As for bilateral relations between Estonia and Botswana, President Karis stressed the historic nature of his counterpart's visit. "This stands as affirmation of the friendship between our countries and our willingness to pursue deeper cooperation – which will grow into a bright, unbreakable bond, like a carefully polished diamond," President Karis added.

When introducing Estonian culture, our beautiful nature is a must – simple, yet captivating. We enjoyed the tranquility of Viru Bog with dear friend @BWPresidency & distinguished guests from #Botswana. pic.twitter.com/tf1uG78IhN

— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) May 20, 2025

The visit and its meetings are to focus on sharing Estonia's experiences in e-governance, cyber security and digital services, economic and educational cooperation between the two countries, strengthening cooperation in international organizations, and the international security situation.

Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale, Minister of Communications and Innovation David Tshere, and the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima are part of President Boko's delegation.

President Boko is also set to meet Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) and Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar (Eesti 200) and Chairman of Tallinn City Council Toomas Kruusimägi (Isamaa), and will lay a wreath at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Column in Freedom Square.

On Wednesday, the final day of the official visit, the Botswanan president's itinerary includes visits to the e-Estonia Showroom, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and the Rakett69 Science Studio, and a state dinner at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, followed by an official farewell ceremony.

The President of Botswana is the first African President to make a state visit, the highest level of visits, to Estonia and the second African President to visit Estonia overall – in 2016 the president of Benin paid a working visit to the country.

Botswana is a large land-locked country in southern Africa and essentially the homeland of the Tswana people, who make up about 80 percent of the total population of 2.4 million. It is the world's largest diamond producer, and also famous for its Okavango Delta, a UNESO World Heritage Site.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include quotes from President Karis following his meeting with President Boko.

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