The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Defence of Denmark Kristian Fischer and the Director of the 8th Department Peter-Michael Pilgaard visited today the Estonian Ministry of Defence and met with the Secretary General Indrek Kannik and the Defence Policy Deputy Secretary General Margus Kolga.
In the context of NATO enlargement the discussions focused on Estonia’s preparations for NATO membership, with special emphasis on fulfilling tasks adherent to the MAP process.
The Danish guests were given an overview of the Estonian Defence Forces’ (EDF) medium-term development plan and the latest developments in restructuring EDF.
Discussing Estonian and Danish bilateral contacts main emphasis was laid on co-operation in the framework of the Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT) as Denmark has been one of the strongest supporters of the BALTBAT project.
The representatives of the Estonian and Danish Ministries of Defence also discussed Estonia’s readiness to make contribution to Euro-Atlantic security process.
In March 1994 Estonia and Denmark signed the defence co-operation frame agreement, the first of its kind for Estonia.
Bilateral co-operation between the countries is developed on annual-plan-basis which reflect concrete undertakings accomplished together by the representatives of both countries.
Estonian and Danish defence co-operation in the area of peace operations has found special recognition. Within the Danish contingent the Estonian soldiers have participated in Bosnia missions since 1997.