Estonian formin thanks Tillerson for US' contribution to Europe's defense

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers on Tuesday thanked U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for the United States' commitments towards contributing to Europe's defense and expressed gladness that EU and U.S. foreign ministers met during the Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"Transatlantic dialogue and cooperation is one of the cornerstones of security," Mikser was quoted by ministry spokespeople as saying. "European countries are increased defense spending and assuming even more responsibility for questions concerning the region's security, but it is never too much to say that we can always count on the Americans. The Americans can similarly always count on Europe."

The minister said that the EU and the United States have common challenges that we must stand for together. "We hope that the IRan nuclear deal will persist and solutions to concerns regarding Iran are found from outside the agreement," Mikser said. "In addition, we jointly want constructive relations with Russia, but it first and foremost depends on the readiness and actions of Russia itself."

The meeting with Tillerson was followed by a meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO.