Mr. Lauri Almann, met with Mr. Mark Pekala.

Mr. Almann and Mr. Pekala discussed international operations in Afghanistan and Iraq at the meeting as well as the issues of defence-related assistance to Georgia and NATO transformation. Mr. Pekala acknowledged Estonia’s participation as a strong US ally in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, together with recognising Estonia’s contribution to defence reforms in Georgia.

Mr. Lauri Almann said, “Estonia considers its international obligations in Afghanistan and Iraq very seriously – in Afghanistan we will increase the participation of our contingent and Riigikogu will soon debate the extension of the mandate of the operation in Iraq. We will continue to support the aspirations of Georgia towards the Euro-Atlantic community”.

The US Ambassador to Estonia Aldona Wos, and the political diplomat of the US Embassy, Mr. Peter Lee, were also present at the meeting.