President: Estonia, UK have always stood together in defense of freedom

TALLINN - Estonian President Alar Karis reaffirmed on Tuesday during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the United Kingdom remains a key ally for Estonia in ensuring regional and NATO-wide security.

The meeting took place aboard the British frigate HMS Iron Duke, docked at Tallinn's Old City Harbor, where Karis also thanked British soldiers and sailors for their service.

The president highlighted the long history of defense cooperation between Estonia and the United Kingdom.

"Exactly 106 years ago, in December 1918, the British Navy fought alongside us in the Estonian War of Independence against Bolshevist Russia, and we won that war. We also fought side by side in Afghanistan for 20 years," he said.

This shared history assures that Estonia and the United Kingdom will always stand united in defense of freedom -- regardless of time, place, or adversary, Karis noted.

"In today's uncertain security environment, too, we stand together with British units here in Estonia, defending NATO's eastern flank," he emphasized.

Karis and Starmer also discussed security challenges and the need to increase NATO defense spending. The Estonian head of state stressed that the United Kingdom's decision to keep the 4th Brigade at high readiness is vital for strengthening the defense of the Baltic Sea region. He added that he looks forward to the deployment exercise of the British infantry brigade in Estonia early next year.