President Karis remarked to Minister Wadephul that European countries must maintain the course they have set towards reinforcing their defence capabilities. “Estonia will be increasing its defence spending to 5% of GDP next year, and I call on all allies to reach the level agreed at the Hague summit,” he said. “Germany is leading by example in this respect, and I welcome your determination to boost defence investments.”
The head of state thanked Minister Wadephul for his country’s key contribution to NATO’s defence and deterrence activities in the Baltic States: Germany regularly participates in the region’s air defence; it is in the process of deploying a brigade of its own land forces in Lithuania; and it is leading NATO’s naval operations on the Baltic Sea.
President Karis also noted that Germany is Estonia’s fourth largest export partner, and confirmed that there are opportunities for the two countries to deepen their cooperation, especially within the defence industry. “Germany is one of our most important economic partners, and we could certainly work together on defence and in providing assistance to Ukraine,” he said.
The head of state praised Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine and stressed the need for further pressure to be placed on Russia so as to stop its aggression, including by way of sanctions. “The Ukrainians require strong security guarantees,” he stated. “Together with our allies, we are ready to contribute to that with our own troops.”
President Karis says the European Union must lead the discussion on the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, and continue to work on its 19th package of sanctions in order to reduce the revenue being earned by Russia’s energy sector.
Gallery: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsbf4
