NATO chief discusses security issues

TALLINN - On April 22, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed various subjects that are currently topical in relation to NATO. Rasmussen considers it important that NATO adapts to the new situation in security and to trends in the global economy. According to Ansip, the developments in the preparation work for NATO’s new strategic concept have been positive, and the actions taken by the Secretary General’s group of experts have been successful.

When speaking about Estonia’s contribution to NATO, Ansip affirmed that Estonia’s ongoing goal is to achieve a defense expenditure level of 2 percent of GDP. “This is a promise, and promises must be kept,” said Ansip. Estonia’s defense expenditures are currently at a level of 1.86 percent of GDP.

During the meeting, Ansip confirmed that Estonia will continue to contribute in Afghanistan at the current level and without any limitations for as long as it is necessary. Today, 150 to 160 members of Estonia’s defense forces are serving in Afghanistan. Estonia is also contributing to a considerable extent in Afghanistan’s civil area. During the meeting, participants expressed their hope that implementation of NATO’s new Afghanistan strategy would be successful and that in the near future it would be possible to hand over the responsibility for security to Afghans.

Furthermore, Rasmussen and Ansip discussed the enlargement of NATO. According to Ansip, the enlargement of NATO has so far been a success story and has increased security in Europe. “Estonia supports the continuation of the Open Door Policy,” added Ansip. He said that Estonia supports Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the NATO Membership Action Plan.