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 Secretary of Defense Austin for his personal contribution and that of the United States in supporting Ukraine and strengthening NATO. Our bilateral defense cooperation and their presence here are of key importance in ensuring the security of Estonia and the Alliance," Kallas was quoted by her government's press service as telling U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
"The contribution of the United States to the security of Estonia and Europe is unwavering. The reinforced presence of US forces in Estonia and our region is a confirmation of the importance of transatlantic alliance relations and will allow us to make the defense and deterrence stance of NATO on the eastern flank even more effective," she said.
The prime minister also called for more defense production capacity to give ammunition to Ukraine.
"I introduced the idea discussed with the heads of state and government of the European Union last week about jointly organized defense procurements in support of Ukraine to the Secretary of Defense Austin, and I hope that we can soon move forward with it in the European Union," 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.
Later on Thursday, Austin told a press conference in Tallinn that the U.S. will continue to foster the provision of Estonia security later on Thursday.
"The United States stands beside you as a friend and as an ally. You can see that commitment in our recent deployment of US forces in Estonia, including the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and our infantry," Austin said.
"The United States remains steadfastly committed to the freedom and sovereignty of our Baltic allies," he said, adding that Article 5 of the NATO treaty, about members' mutual assistance in case of an attack on one of them, was "Ironclad."
Austin and his Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur discussed plans to create an Estonian division and the U.S. support in structuring it within the NATO framework, the Estonian Defense Ministry said.
It was noted that Estonia was investing $140.5 million received as U.S. security aid to buy HIMARS systems.
Austin also familiarized himself with the operation of the U.S. infantry unit stationed in Estonia, which is armed with HIMARS systems with apparatus and control systems.