Estonian parliament speaker: We must respond more forcefully to Russia’s hybrid attacks

TALLINN – In their meeting in Tallinn on Friday, the speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, and the foreign minister of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, discussed outstanding security and foreign policy issues.

Hussar and the new foreign minister of Lithuania considered it important to find specific areas of cooperation for the near future in priority foreign policy issues for Estonia and Lithuania, the Riigikogu press service said.

"Baltic-Nordic cooperation provides an opportunity to resolve and prevent emerging security challenges more effectively," Hussar said.

Budrys described security challenges as important, and noted it is essential to do more together.

"Continued support to Ukraine in all areas is necessary to help Ukraine to a position of strength this year," Hussar said.

Hussar and Budrys highlighted the need to strive for maximum transatlantic unity, particularly on the issues concerning NATO, Russian aggression, relations with China, and trade.

It was pointed out at the meeting that it was important to individually and collectively enhance the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, and to continue efforts towards more effective deterrence of Russian hybrid activities.

Hussar and Budrys also underlined the importance of the construction of the Rail Baltic to provide better connections with Europe for the Baltic states and, among other things, to ensure military mobility for security purposes.

The chairman of the Estonia-Lithuania parliamentary friendship group, Enn Eesmaa, also participated in the meeting.

The Lithuanian minister will also meet with President Alar Karis and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna during his stay in Tallinn.