Estonia´s Defence Minister Jüri Luik today met with the new UK´s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to discuss defence cooperation, operation in Afghanistan, enhanced Forward Presence and questions related to upcoming NATO Leaders´ Meeting in London.
“UK´s contribution to our regional security has been remarkable. NATO Battle Groups strengthen our security and create deterrence that simply cannot be underestimated,” Luik said.
“The Baltic Protector, conducted this summer, increased the visibility of Allied presence in the Baltic Sea. In cases of crisis, the Baltic states are still vulnerable and it´s critical that Allies train strengthening the Allied maritime presence, as well as bringing in enforcement forces, as does the upcoming exercise Tractable,” Luik added.
It was noted at the meeting that initiatives like Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) complement NATO as they include countries not part of the Alliance.
The defence ministers agreed that Russian Federation´s ongoing aggression in Ukraine is unacceptable and continued support for Ukraine is needed. Related to Afghanistan, it was noted that it is important for the Allies to stay united in the efforts of supporting the country. Questions related to cyber defence were also on the table at the meeting.
Estonia and United Kingdom share long historical ties and military cooperation. UK is the lead nation for the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Estonia and the troops of both countries serve shoulder-to-shoulder in Afghanistan with the Resolute Support mission.
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