Today the meeting of Nordic-Baltic and US Defence Ministers’ and high rank delegations of the ministries took place in Tallinn (5+3+1 Meeting). The main topics discussed were new directions in the fight against terrorism, the development of operational capability of the countries and security issues in the Baltic Sea region.
The delegations talked about co-operation in the fight against terrorism in the Baltic Sea region and applicable measures against terrorism outside the region.
During the operational capability panel discussions led by Denmark, the delegations exchanged ideas on how to speed up the process of moving territorial army units, how to improve Host Nation Support and how to organize to the full effect the defence against the use of mass destruction weapons.
The ministers also exchanged ideas on the future of NATO and the interoperability of the Baltic Sea countries’ military- and defence structures with those of the Alliance.
In the area of defence the Baltic Sea countries’ common issues of interest and possible co-operation forms were pointed out.
According to the Estonian Minister of Defence Sven Mikser all the participants were satisfied with the forum. During the discussions many interesting ideas and topics vital for all the countries were pointed out and discussed.
During the press conference following the meeting US Defence Minister Donald Rumsfeld stressed that he was very pleased with the developments in the Baltic countries. “Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have boosted out their development and their unity gives solid proof of the fact that they are equal and reliable partners,” said US Defence Minister answering the questions.
“Today’s meeting showed that we have become close partners and friends who have created wonderful co-operation relations ,” said Mikser summing up the 5+3+1 Defence Ministrers’ meeting.