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At the meeting, Hussar noted that the visit was taking place on a special day for Estonia—on the Victory Day. “Strengthening our defence capability is important for us, but it is equally important that we are never alone again. We are members of NATO, and at the Victory Day parade in Narva, the Allies were with us. I believe that the Victory Day celebrations gave the border town the reassurance that every inch of Estonia’s territory is protected,” he said.
Hussar thanked Spain for its great contribution to the strengthening of security in the Baltic region and on NATO’s eastern flank more widely. “Spain’s participation in the Baltic air policing missions is very important for Estonia. We are also grateful for the decision to deploy the NASAMS medium-range air defence system to Estonia again in August. We very much appreciate the contribution and cooperation of our allies and partners. It makes NATO stronger and shows what being an ally and collective defence really mean,” he said.
Speaking of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Hussar pointed out that developments in Ukraine were important not only for Ukraine but for the whole democratic world. “Ukraine is fighting for all of us, and we must continue to support them in every way, including providing military aid,” he said, adding that Estonia expected that the decisions on strong support for Ukraine would be taken at the NATO Summit in Washington in July, where the continued strengthening of defence and deterrence posture and the increasing of defence spending would be discussed as matters of importance.
Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu Kalev Stoicescu also participated in the meeting of the President of the Riigikogu and the King of Spain.
Today, the King of Spain, together with President of Estonia Alar Karis, also visited the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship-aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Navy, which has arrived in the Port of Tallinn. From Estonia, the King will proceed to Lithuania and Latvia.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar discussed supporting Ukraine and strengthening security on NATO eastern flank with King of Spain
Source: Parliament of Estonia