Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Ligi said that it had been a friendly and meaningful meeting between the two allies, with the main emphasis being on NATO’s transformation and international operations. The Estonian Defence Minister stressed that “it is important for all NATO members to reach the 2% state budget allocation level of gross domestic product for defence expenditures in order to strengthen their armed forces; and, by strengthening the Estonian Defence Forces, we will, in effect, support both Estonia’s security and stability beyond our state borders”.
It was unanimously agreed upon that Estonia’s enhancement of its Defence Force capability in the paradigm of NATO’s transformation would be of great importance in order to become a stronger ally and enhance its capability to effect quick deployment to international crises situations.
In Mr. Ligi’s words, “The enhancement of the Estonian Defence Forces is also of key importance for NATO, and therefore Estonia’s increased defence expenditures received positive recognition. In order to strengthen Estonia’s security, we assist in guaranteeing security in the world and perceive NATO’s concerns as our own”.
With regard to international operations, the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were discussed in detail and Mr. Ligi stressed that Estonia is waiting for the UN Security Council to debate the extension of the mandate for the operation in Iraq. Mr. Rumsfeld warned against the withdrawal of allied forces and the international community from Iraq, stating that such a move would result in disaster for the unstable state.
Mr. Rumsfeld thanked Estonia for its participation in Iraq and Afghanistan and highly valued Estonia’s contribution to NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability plan. He was also impressed with Estonia’s substantial increase in defence expenditures, which he stated would be indispensable for the enhancement of Estonian Defence Forces’ capability.
Among other matters, several co-operation projects were discussed: the prospective Centre of Excellence on Cooperative Cyber Defence in Estonia, the Baltic Defence College, and defence-related co-operation.
The Estonian Minister’s two-day visit will include meetings in the Pentagon, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the National Defense University.
Pictures of the Defence Ministers’ meeting will be displayed shortly.