Yesterday in Washington, Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation in Ukraine and Syria, security cooperation and relations with Russia.
Deputy Secretary of State Blinken praised Estonia for maintaining defence spending at the agreed NATO level of two percent and noted that in this respect Estonia is a model for other Allies. The Foreign Minister thanked the United States for their important contribution to the security of Estonia, within the framework of both bilateral and NATO cooperation. “In light of the NATO Warsaw summit, we need to move from security measures in the direction of real deterrence and to ensure the unity of the Alliance regarding the issue of increasing Allied troops in the region,” Kaljurand said.
Blinken confirmed that President Barack Obama's administration remains committed to contributing to security in the region and expressed hope that other NATO allies will also actively participate.
The ministers also discussed the fight against terrorism and the situation in Syria and Russia’s role in the anti-Daesh coalition. Marina Kaljurand stressed that in interacting with Russia, it is important to have a separate dialogue on solving the Ukraine crisis, so that cooperation with Syria does not overshadow the importance of finding a solution to the Ukraine situation. “Sanctions must continue until the Minsk agreements are met and the territorial integrity of Ukraine is restored,” Kaljurand stressed.
Foreign Minister Kaljurand will be on a visit to the United States until Friday. Today she will meet with Senator John McCain and Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs Victoria Nuland. The Minister will also speak at an event for current and former journalists at the National Press Club.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157662317073132
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