President Karis says Estonia sets great store by its century of friendship with the United States. “Our relations are stronger than ever,” he confirmed. “We are both unwavering in our commitment to the defence of peace, security and democratic values, and we stand shoulder to shoulder as allies in the world’s strongest security alliance, NATO. Strong transatlantic relations form the basis of Estonian and European security, and America is Europe’s most important ally.”
The head of state added that Estonia greatly appreciates US military support, which is vital to the security of Europe as a whole. “This is particularly the case now, with Russia waging a full-scale war at the very heart of Europe,” he said. “Alongside the United States we are supporting – and will continue to support – Ukraine in the defence of its people and sovereignty.”
President Karis and his fellow Baltic heads of state, President Egils Levits of Latvia and President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania, sent their US counterpart President Joe Biden a joint letter marking the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Baltic and United States. In it they stress the importance to their three countries of transatlantic relations and cooperation with America, both 100 years ago and today, when all are faced with global challenges.
The Baltic presidents highlight in the letter the importance of the role played by the United States in championing the rule of law internationally and in providing assistance to Ukraine, and emphasise the need to continue tirelessly countering Russia’s barbaric acts and to help Ukraine win the war. The three heads of state also raise the role played by America in making and implementing the decisions taken at the NATO summit in Madrid in regard to reinforcing collective defence and express their wish for democratic countries’ ability to mount effective opposition to be boosted. They also seek closer economic cooperation with the US, making the most of the opportunities afforded by the Three Seas Initiative.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the United States. The occasion was marked with the raising of the American flag in front of the Office of the President. The United States recognised the independent Republic of Estonia on 28 July 1922. Since then, the country has been a strong supporter of Estonian sovereignty and statehood, including during the years of Soviet occupation.
