Estonian govt appoints Kusti Salm sec-gen of Ministry of Defense

TALLINN - The Estonian government at a meeting on Thursday released secretary general of the Estonian Ministry of Defense Kristjan Prikk from his position and appointed Kusti Salm as the new secretary general.

The government approved at Thursday's meeting a proposal by the Ministry of Defense to release Prikk from his position effective from May 14 and appoint Salm in his stead, spokespeople for the government said.

The new secretary general has been appointed for a term of five years from May 15, 2021, until May 14, 2026.

Prikk is to start work as Estonia's ambassador to the United States.

Salm is currently the director general of the Estonian Center of Defense Investment (ECDI).

Prior the position of the director general of the ECDI, Salm worked as the director of the defense investment department of the Ministry of Defense, where he was responsible for policy-making in the field of defense procurements, defense industry and defense-related science and development activities. In 2017, during Estonia's presidency of the Council of the European Union, Salm led the negotiations on the establishment of the European Union Defense Fund.

Salm joined the Ministry of Defense in 2007 as an adviser to the NATO and European Union department. In 2009, he worked in the European Defense Agency, and in 2011-2015, as an armaments cooperation counselor at the permanent representation of Estonia to NATO.

Salm has completed conscript service in Tapa, at the Artillery Battalion. He has been decorated with the fourth class of the Order of the White Star by the president and third class of the Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defense.