Foreign Minister Paet: US is Important Ally for Estonia
13.08.2009
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and US Assistant Secretary for European and
Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon discussed Estonia-US co-operation,
the future of NATO, and other current international topics during their
meeting in Tallinn on Thursday, 13 August. Foreign Minister Paet
emphasised NATO’s irreplaceable role in the security of its allies and
for ensuring strong transatlantic co-operation. “Collective defence is
NATO’s primary function, which must be visible and evident both within
the alliance and outside of it,” said Foreign Minister Paet.
Paet
and Gordon discussed contributing to the stabilisation and
reconstruction of Afghanistan, including within the framework of NATO’s
ISAF operation. Estonia sent an additional infantry company, Estcoy-E,
to Afghanistan to provide security for the presidential election taking
place on 20 August. It is under the command of the US’s 2nd Marine
Expeditionary Brigade and is working in the southern part of Helmand
Province. Paet mentioned the excellent co-operation between the US and
Estonia in international operations. “Considering our earlier
successful co-operation, we would certainly like to continue military
co-operation with the United States in various operations,” stated
Foreign Minister Paet. “Preparations are currently going on for the
creation of a US-Estonia Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT),”
Paet added.
Foreign Minister Paet and US Assistant Secretary
Gordon also addressed the creation of a new strategic concept for NATO.
Paet said that Article 5, which is NATO’s primary responsibility, and
NATO’s readiness to fulfil this responsibility are important to
Estonia. “The primary idea behind NATO is ensuring the indivisible of
the security of its allies, and this must be backed up by NATO’s
strategic concept,” he added. Paet stated that Estonia is pleased to be
organising next spring’s NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Tallinn.
The
two also addressed further NATO enlargement at the meeting. The
Estonian foreign minister emphasised the importance of continuing
NATO’s open-door policy and noted his support for the integration of
Georgia and Ukraine with NATO. According to Assistant Secretary Gordon,
the United States continues to support NATO enlargement.
Gordon
and Paet discussed the situation in Georgia. Foreign Minister Paet
emphasised the significant contribution of the European Union
Monitoring Mission to supporting security in Georgia. “After the
missions of other international organisations have ended, the European
Union Monitoring Mission plays a very important role in stabilising the
security situation in Georgia,” asserted the Estonian foreign minister.
Paet and Gordon stated that a long-term solution must honour Georgia’s
territorial integrity and sovereignty.
In
talking about the security architecture of Europe, the representatives
of Estonia and the United States emphasised that it is important that
responsibilities taken on as a result of previous agreements must be
fulfilled and that progress is made in resolving existing crises.
They
also discussed supporting the transition states in Eastern Europe and
the role of European Union Eastern Partnership in this endeavour.
While
discussing the US’s relations with Europe, the Estonian foreign
minister noted that the development of EU-US co-operation and strong
relations are very essential. “It is important for a wide range of
issues, from the development of Eastern Partnership and supporting
reforms in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus
to opportunities for opening up the Western Balkan countries,” Paet
said. “It is also very important to intensify co-operation between the
European Union and the United States in the field of energy security,”
he added. Paet stated that an EU-US energy council should be
established as soon as possible.
When they spoke about
relations between Estonia and the United States, Foreign Minister Paet
emphasised that they have always been very good. “The US is an
essential partner for Estonia. Our co-operation takes place in many
areas, as we share the same values,” said Paet. The meeting was also
preparation for Foreign Minister Urmas Paet’s visit to the United
States in the fall.
