Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressed at the meeting that the security of Ukraine is the security of all of Europe and the free world. “We must continue to support Ukraine until Ukraine wins this war. Ukrainians are fighting for the security and freedoms of all of us. Our words and actions must ensure that Russia’s war in Ukraine does not succeed,” Kallas said.
Prime Minister Kallas acknowledged the leading role of the United States of America in helping Ukraine and strengthening NATO. “I would like to thank the United States of America for its presence in Estonia and for strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and for its long-term security assistance to Estonia and the other Baltic states,” said Kallas.
The prime minister added that the threat from Russia will not go anywhere. “Therefore, NATO member states need to make greater and longer-term investments in defence,” Kallas said, highlighting Estonia’s steps toward strengthening its defence capabilities. “Estonia takes ensuring its security very seriously. Our defence spending is significant: close to 3% of the GDP this year and more than 3% from next year,” said Kallas. The prime minister added that, despite the difficult security situation in Europe, we stand in solidarity with America and are contributing, for example, to the US-led military mission in Iraq.
In addition, Prime Minister Kallas pointed out that Europe also needs to improve its own defence capabilities. “Europe’s defence industry must be able to manufacture on a scale commensurate with the changed security situation. Estonia has actively contributed to making Europe’s defence industry more powerful. This is important both for supporting Ukraine and for ensuring European security,” said Kallas.
The meeting also addressed the situation in the Middle East. “Estonia condemns the terror of Hamas. Israel has the right to defend itself; however, innocent lives must be spared and humanitarian law must be respected. Alongside support for Israel, assistance to the civilian population in Gaza is essential,” said Kallas. The prime minister also emphasised that stirring up a crisis in the Middle East benefits forces interested in distracting us and fragmenting our unity. “It is useful for those who want to divert the attention of the free world from supporting Ukraine. It is all the more important that we keep our unity and our broad support for Ukraine,” Kallas added.
China was also discussed at the meeting. According to Prime Minister Kallas, Estonia appreciates the role of the US in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. “It is important for international security and stability that the disagreements surrounding the Taiwan Strait do not escalate. It is also important for democratic countries to be as united as possible in their policy towards China,” said Kallas.
In the context of the cases of Balticconnector and the Baltic Sea communication cables, the meeting also discussed the protection of critical infrastructure. “In cooperation with our allies in NATO, we have already put in place additional measures to ensure the security of the Baltic Sea,” said Kallas.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720312642167
