The head of state thanked Secretary General Rutte for his role in the Hague Summit agreement, stating that the decisions taken will make NATO militarily stronger and more resilient to future threats.
President Karis says Estonia will continue to significantly increase its defence spending. “From next year, we will be investing more than 5% of our GDP in military capabilities and national defence,” he explained, commending those allies who have chosen to do likewise.
Discussing support for Ukraine, the head of state said that the beleaguered nation continues to have Estonia’s full backing and that robust security guarantees need to be formulated for it. “Like every nation, Ukraine has the right to freedom, the right to a future and the right to choose its allies,” he remarked. “It deserves an end to the war, but we know from our own history that the only kind of peace that lasts is effectively secured peace. For that, the Ukrainians need solid guarantees. Estonia will continue to support them on their path to NATO membership – which is not only the best guarantee for a peaceful future for Ukraine, but will also make NATO stronger, and leave Europe more secure.”
President Karis confirmed that Estonia is prepared to send a unit to Ukraine as part of a coalition force to secure peace in the country, and explained that Estonia has earmarked 0.3% of its GDP for military aid to Ukraine this year and is boosting its cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry.
The head of state also spoke to the NATO Secretary General about transatlantic relations and the security of the Baltic region. “A US troop presence in Europe, including on NATO’s eastern flank, is very much needed,” he said. “It is the best way to deter any aggressor.”
Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsXDU
