Meeting of the President and members of the Riigikogu with their US colleague focused on security crisis

NordenBladet —

At the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas and members of the Riigikogu with Adam Smith, Chair of the United States House Committee on Armed Services, the security crisis around Russia and Ukraine and the strengthening of bilateral transatlantic relations were discussed.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson, and Chair Enn Eesmaa and Deputy Chair Leo Kunnas of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu also participated in the meeting.

Ratas underlined that the relations between Estonia and the US had been closer than ever in recent months, and unfortunately, the ongoing security crisis is at the heart of these relations. “We highly appreciate the security and defence cooperation between Estonia and the United States, and we attach great importance to the USA’s active participation in and continuing contribution to the military defence of our region,” Ratas said. “We are very grateful for the security assistance and the presence of the US troops in the Baltic States. It is very important for us.” Ratas added that the US had taken the initiative among the Western states in leading the like-minded countries in a united and determined stand against Russia’s aggressive and belligerent behaviour.

Participants in the meeting noted that Russia’s military escalation in Ukraine continued and that Russia’s military footprint was consolidating in Belarus. Mihkelson considered it possible that the ongoing chapter in Ukraine was just a part of Russia’s attempt to reshape the European security architecture. “Russia’s permanent military presence in Belarus would be a threat to the Baltic States as the military misbalance in our region deteriorates then even further,” Mihkelson said. “This means that we need to enhance the deterrence and defence posture on the NATO eastern flank. The Narva River is the eastern border of both the European Union and NATO.”

Mihkelson said that the US military presence and its significant reinforcement in Europe were essential for deterring Russia. “We welcome the introduction of additional measures by the US and increased presence in the Baltic region,” he said.

Mihkelson underlined that the politicians and diplomats of the Western countries were doing their best to prevent the worst-case scenario. This has been confirmed on the visits of the members of the Riigikogu and in their active communication with the politicians of other countries. “At the same time, we have to keep supporting Ukraine politically, financially and militarily,” Mihkelson said. “Ukraine is under enormous pressure. Joint efforts are needed to support Ukraine to stand against the pressure of the aggressor.”

Considering the changed security situation, the members of the Riigikogu asked the US Congress to maintain the security assistance funding to the Baltic States on the same level as last year, or even increase it. “This helps us to develop our defence capabilities sooner,” Eesmaa explained. “Estonia in its turn will do its share and increase its defence expenditure to 2.6 percent of GDP by 2024.” In Eesmaa’s opinion, it is important to note that in national defence issues, the parties of the government coalition and the opposition in the Riigikogu are of the same mind.

Eesmaa agreed with other speakers that NATO’s presence in the region was vital, and added that recently also Finland and Sweden had shown interest in having closer cooperation with NATO.

Besides security policy issues, bilateral cyber defence cooperation and possible further cooperation in the construction of a LNG terminal.

Photos of the meeting (Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia