TALLINN. Feb 16 (Interfax) - The American presence in Estonia proves the importance of relations with NATO and helps make NATO defense on the eastern flank yet more effective, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said.
"I thanked Defense Secretary Austin for his and U.S. work of supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO. Our bilateral defense cooperation and the U.S. presence here are of key significance to providing the security of Estonia and the North Atlantic Alliance," Kallas was quoted by her government's press service as telling U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
"The U.S. contribution to Estonian and European security is unwavering. The reinforced presence of U.S. forces in Estonia and our region are the evidence of the importance of relations with the Trans-Atlantic alliance and will enable us to make our defense and NATO defense on the eastern flank more effective still," she said.
The prime minister also called for more defense production capacity to give ammunition to Ukraine.
"I put to Secretary Austin an idea, which was discussed with EU heads of state and government last week, of jointly organizing defense purchases for Ukraine and I hope we will push it through the EU soon," Kallas said.
For his part, Austin thanked Estonia for its considerable contribution to defense, up to nearly 3% of GDP, and its role in supporting Ukraine and admitting refugees.