“Foreign policy and security and defence policy are closely intertwined, and to ensure Estonia’s security, they must work hand in hand,” Tsahkna said. “While the Ministry of Defence has the expertise and knowledge needed for defence planning and cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our soon-to-be 50 embassies around the world play a significant role in defending Estonia’s interests internationally, communicating our positions and continuously strengthening relations with our Allies.”
According to the Foreign Minister, it is important to ensure that the substantial increase in defence spending in recent years translates into stronger defence capabilities for Estonia. It is equally important to increase the capacity of Estonia’s defence industry.
“Russia is and will remain the most serious and long-term threat to Europe. We must therefore strengthen our own defence capabilities, continue close cooperation with our Allies and encourage them to move swiftly towards the target agreed at the NATO Summit in The Hague of investing at least 5% of GDP in defence,” Tsahkna said.
