NordenBladet —
According to Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the main goal of the visit is to strengthen security cooperation between Estonia and the United States and to confirm the importance of the United States’ permanent presence on NATO’s eastern flank. “A victory for Ukraine is of crucial importance in terms of the security of both Estonia and the West as a whole. A unified and strong allied space, where the US continues to be a solid pillar, is our surest guarantee for repelling further Russian aggression. This is a clear message to the adversary: we stand united and steadfast for our values and freedom,” Mihkelson emphasised.
The Commission delegation will meet with members of the US Congress, including Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the visit that will last until Thursday. The members of the Riigikogu will also have meetings with the heads of the US Department of State’s division for Europe, representatives of think tanks, and the Estonian community in the United States.
In addition, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee will participate in a round table hosted by the Estonian Embassy, where the increase in defence spending by NATO countries and their contribution to cybersecurity, as well as lessons learned from Ukraine, and transatlantic cooperation will be discussed. Former and current US government officials, as well as representatives from think tanks and the private sector, will also take part in the round table.
In addition to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, committee members Luisa Rõivas and Henn Põlluaas are participating in the visit.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Source: Parliament of Estonia