Minister of Defence Kalle Laanet met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly who, during her visit to Estonia, also visited Ämari air base and the Tapa military base. During the 3–4 April visit, the ministers discussed the security situation, strengthening the defensive readiness of NATO’s eastern flank and operational cooperation in Sahel and West Africa.
“We are grateful for the contributions of the French forces in Tapa and Ämari. In today’s security situation, NATO must change its posture: enhanced forward presence must shift to forward defence. I am pleased to note that in this discussion we are united with our Allies,” said Minister of Defence Kalle Laanet.
“Estonian defence cooperation with France is important on a number of levels. Joint missions are necessary for our servicemen to expand their experience, with cooperation being equally important for our common security. Participating together in exercises and missions contributes to our joint ability to work together,” Minister Laanet added.
The ministers also discussed military support for Ukraine and stated that in the current phase of the war it is most important to support Ukraine with different types of weapons, and to use sanctions to raise the price of war against the Russian Federation as high as possible.
Minister Parly has made a notable contribution to promoting defence cooperation between Estonia and France, which includes leading the coalition involved in operations in Mali, France’s contributions in the NATO Battlegroup in Estonia and the Baltic Air Policing mission, and additional units sent to Estonia — the extended eFP rotation and the Air Policing mission, which was brought to Estonia earlier than planned. Florence Parly also met with President of the Republic Alar Karis during her visit and was presented with the Order of Merit of the Cross of Terra Mariana, Second Class.
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