PAET: US IS IMPORTANT ALLY FOR ESTONIA

Eesti elu
Articles in English 13 Aug 2009 EE Online

EMFA

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.