TALLINN - Estonian President Alar Karis and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, enhancing European security and defense capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine.
"We support Germany’s role and growing example in increasing European defense capabilities," Karis said. "European countries must stay on course to strengthen their defense capabilities."
"Estonia will increase its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP next year and I call on all allies to achieve the level agreed at the Hague summit. Germany is an example here -- I welcome your determination to increase defense investments," the head of state said.
Karis thanked Germany for its significant contribution to NATO's deterrence and defense activities in the Baltic states. Germany regularly participates in Baltic air policing, is deploying a brigade to Lithuania, and is leading NATO's naval activities in the Baltic Sea.
The head of state also pointed out that Germany is Estonia's fourth largest export partner and confirmed the possibilities for deepening cooperation, particularly in the field of the defense industry.
"Germany is a very important economic partner for us, and we see opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry and in providing assistance to Ukraine," Karis said.
He praised Germany's role in supporting Ukraine and stressed the need for further pressure on Russia to end its aggression, including through sanctions.
"Ukraine needs strong security guarantees. Together with our allies, we are ready to contribute to this with our forces," the president said.
According to Karis, the European Union must lead the discussion on the use of frozen Russian state assets for the benefit of Ukraine and continue to develop the 19th package of sanctions to reduce revenues from the Russian energy sector.
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