“Although the role of Finland has transformed since Estonia\'s accession to NATO, co-operation with Finland can be considered excellent in many fields, beginning from general policy and culture to bilateral defence-related co-operation. Finland has set itself very high standards of quality, and for example, it adheres to NATO standards much more accurately than many allies,” said Mi. Ligi.
Besides bilateral relations, the topics discussed included the EU security and defence policy and participation in international operations. Both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the preparatory activities to date conducted in the framework of the Nordic Battle Group. There was consensus with regard to the need to improve co-operation between the EU and NATO. Mr. Kääriäinen gave an overview of the experiences gained by Finland during its presidency of the EU and its further plans for participation in the EU battle groups and the operation in Afghanistan. Mr. Kääriäinen was of the opinion that duplication should not be allowed with regard to the EU and NATO structures for crisis management. “NATO is a military alliance, and as such, offers the military component of crisis management; whilst the EU as a political and economic organisation offers the civilian component of crisis management. Our aim is to effectively match these two components in crisis management endeavours; duplication cannot be allowed,” said Mr. Kääriäinen after the meeting.
While discussing defence-related assistance to other countries, both ministers expressed the importance of first focusing on countries in the vicinity of Europe, such as the Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
The Estonian Defence Minister thanked his counterpart for having rendered support to date to the Tartu-based Baltic Defence College. Finland is among the biggest contributors to the Baltic Defence College among the supporting countries. “The Finnish presence in the Baltic Defence College is highly appreciated and important in maintaining the high standard of the college,” said Mr Ligi at the meeting.
The aim of this meeting of the defence ministers is to enhance bilateral relations and discuss defence-related topics of mutual interest.
The last meeting of the Estonian and Finnish Defence Ministers took place in January 2006 in Helsinki.