The three heads of state focused on defence, emphasising the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its security. “This also means increasing defence expenditures, which all three states are prepared to do,” said the President of Estonia. “Estonia is already meeting the goal of spending 5% on defence this year.”
Presidents Karis, Rinkēvičs and Nausėda also discussed the security situation in Ukraine. The President of the Republic stated that strengthening European security goes hand in hand with tight transatlantic cooperation. He considered it important to continue close dialogue with the United States of America, in order to strengthen defence cooperation and ensure consistent support for Ukraine.
Another important topic under discussion was regional infrastructure and defence cooperation. “Rail Baltica and Via Baltica are the backbone of NATO’s Eastern military mobility,” said President Karis. “The main line is currently being built in Estonia, and work on the other sections will begin this year. It is important to ensure continuous funding from the EU’s long-term budget.”
President of Estonia Alar Karis with his spouse Sirje Karis, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda with his spouse Diana Nausėdienė watch the XXI Dance Celebration “Iseoma” at Kalev Central Stadium.
Photos: Raigo Pajula, Office of the President of the Republic – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCkrKQ
