Minister of Defence Jüri Luik today met with the Polish Minister of Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, currently on a two day visit to Estonia, to discuss questions related to bilateral defence cooperation, the upcoming NATO Summit and the European Union’s defence initiatives.
“Poland is one of our most important Allies in the Baltic Sea region, having repeatedly proven its desire to contribute to Allied relations,” Minister of Defence Luik said.
A Polish air defence unit and SU-22 attack aircraft participated in Siil (Hedgehog) exercise, held in Estonia at the beginning of May. According to Minister Luik, the participation of Polish troops in Estonia´s regular spring exercises helps to improve interoperability between the defence forces of the two countries.
A Polish naval diving unit and the mine hunter Flaming also took part in the mine counter-measures operation Open Spirit, conducted this week in Estonian waters. At the meeting, the Polish Minister of Defence confirmed Poland’s readiness to continue participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission.
In addition, Poland is contributing a total of more than 400 troops to the NATO´s presence on Alliance´s north-eastern and south-eastern flanks.
This evening, the Ministers also laid a wreath on the Monument to the War of Independence of Estonia in Tallinn.