Group of Factors that Determine International Security Constantly Expanding
07.02.2010
The Munich Security Conference, which took place from Friday to
Sunday, focused first and foremost on NATO’s values and primary
responsibilities. Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo and Foreign
Minister Urmas Paet attended the conference and stated that the
international security experts confirmed the belief that NATO is a
values-based organisation and the principle of collective defence is
central to the functioning of the alliance. While giving a presentation
in Munich, the Secretary General of the alliance Anders Fogh Rasmussen
also emphasised that NATO possesses military capabilities and
solidarity for the protection of its member states.
In addition to NATO development and the starting points for the new
strategic concept, other topics discussed at the conference were
activities in Afghanistan, developments in the Middle East, and matters
of arms control.
Foreign Minister Paet stated that one important subject at the
conference was the co-operation of NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.
It was acknowledged at the conference that the Afghanistan operation
faces a huge challenge—success is attainable, but only in co-operation
with the Afghan people. “The next few years will be decisive in terms
of the success of the Afghanistan operation. Estonia will continue its
participation in Afghanistan—we will continue contributing in the
military, civil and development sectors,” said Foreign Minister Urmas
Paet.
Another topic on the agenda of this year’s Munich Security
Conference was Russia’s proposal for new European security
architecture. The resounding position was that Europe already has the
necessary structures and mechanisms for ensuring its security, they
must simply be better used and the agreed principles must be observed.
“Security today is wider than just socio-political or military matters.
Human rights and their protection also play a major role,” stressed
Estonian Foreign Minister Paet.
At the bilateral meeting that took place on Saturday between
Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo and his colleague from the United
Kingdom Bob Ainsworth, topics discussed included co-operation in
Afghanistan, plans for Estonia’s strategic air policing, and NATO
budgetary matters. Aaviksoo emphasised that the formulation of a NATO
budget must be based upon military counsel and the assessment of risk.
“Solidarity among member states is all the greater when
contributions to the budget from member states are proportional and the
weight of the missions is carried evenly,” said Defence Minister Jaak
Aaviksoo.
Additional information can be found on the conference’s official homepage: http://www.securityconference.de/index.php?&L=1
