German foreign minister Steinmeier to discuss security in Estonia
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, arrived in Estonia for a working visit on Thursday, as part of a two-day tour of the Baltic Sea region, visiting Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
The purpose of the visit is to intensify the good relations between the two countries, as well as to discuss current European Union issues and the security situation in Europe.
According to Germany’s broadcaster Deutsche Welle, prior to Estonia visit, Steinmeier expressed his understanding for the regional security concerns, adding that Germany had taken a "great deal of responsibility" in the interest of the Baltic Sea region states from the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.
While in Finland, Steinmeier also said with regards to economic sanctions against Russia that European unity had prevailed and any attempt to split Europe will fail.
Steinmeier’s visit comes just three days after German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen visited Tallinn and confirmed that Germany will participate again in the Baltic Air Policing mission this year and four fighter jets will be based in Ämari Air Base. German troops will also take part in the multinational military exercises in Estonia next year.
Steinmeier will have meetings with Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas and Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus.
Germany is an important ally for Estonia both in NATO and the European Union. In last autumn, Germany supported the Baltic Air Policing mission from Ämari Air Base in Estonia, with four Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon jets patrolling the skies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Editor: S. Tambur