At today’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas discussed cooperation between Estonia and NATO and further steps by the alliance to strengthen deterrence.

‘Estonia is steadfastly dedicated to ensuring security and developing its defensive capability. We will continue to maintain our defence budget at the level of at least two per cent of GDP. This provides a stable foundation for the development of our defence sector and allows us to contribute to our regional security as well as international security, whether it be in Afghanistan, Mali or elsewhere,’ said Ratas.

‘NATO celebrated its 70th anniversary this year and Estonia marked its 15th year as a member. Support for NATO has remained high throughout this period, which is a sign of the good work performed by all of us in ensuring the security of Estonia and all alliance members.’

‘Over the past few years, NATO has taken a number of important steps in developing European security. The organisation must continue to make adjustments, including strengthening their deterrence and defensive postures, and there is much work that still needs to be done. Deterrence, and the unity and solidarity of allies, is the best way to ensure peace,’ noted Ratas.

Stoltenberg and Ratas also spoke about NATO and EU defence cooperation, in addition to the NATO Summit taking place at the end of the year, in London.