Tsahkna: NATO is beneficial for both Europe and the US

TALLINN - NATO is beneficial for both Europe and the United States, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Estonia highly values the United States' contribution to ensuring transatlantic security, and we have always been prepared to openly discuss our common security with our allies. Suggestions of leaving NATO or even considering such a step are harmful, even if not acted upon," he said.

"NATO is beneficial for both Europe and the US, having ensured security on both sides of the Atlantic for nearly 80 years. All allies would lose if NATO were weakened," he added.

NATO's Article 5 has been invoked only once in the alliance's history, in support of the United States after the September 11 terrorist attacks. NATO allies have participated alongside the US in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere.

"A total of 11 Estonian soldiers lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and over a hundred were injured. Per capita, Estonia paid the highest price in Afghanistan. Today, all NATO allies spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense, with several allies spending significantly more. This means that European NATO allies and Canada have contributed billions more in recent years to bolster defense capabilities, proving that allies are serious about strengthening their defenses," Tsahkna said.

"We will continue to work to ensure that Europe takes an even greater role in securing its own continent. We must prove through our actions that we can contribute to security both independently and as part of an alliance," he affirmed.