Estonian president, foreign minister congratulate Donald Trump on taking office

Estonia's top officials on Monday congratulated Donald Trump on assuming office as the 47th president of the United States.
In his message, President Alar Karis emphasized the close cooperation between Estonia and the United States and the need to continue joint efforts to ensure security and promote democratic values.
"Estonia has always greatly valued its close relations with the United States," said the head of state.
He recognized Trump's contribution to strengthening NATO during his first term and stressed Estonia's continued commitment to collective defense.
"The credibility of NATO relies on deterrence, which requires the strong commitment of every member state. As a neighbor of Russia, Estonia takes its defense seriously. In the coming years, Estonia will spend nearly 4 percent of its GDP on national defense, with a significant portion allocated to purchasing new equipment and ammunition from the United States," he said in a statement.

Karis also addressed shared security threats, including Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. He stressed the importance of acting together to support Ukraine and counter global threats.
"Russia continues to pose a significant threat to Estonia, the United States, and all our allies in the free world. Russia's aggression in Ukraine persists with the support of North Korea and Iran. Russia will not stop unless it is stopped. Until then, it will continue its attempts to divide us and rewrite international security rules. We share a common goal – to safeguard world peace and help Ukraine push back against Russia," President Karis stated.
He also invited Trump to visit Estonia and expressed hope for further strengthening the cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) also sent his congratulations to the new president.
Congratulations to the 47th @POTUS @realDonaldTrump.
— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) January 20, 2025
Estonia values the US as a key NATO ally dedicated to our shared security.
Look forward to enhancing bilateral ties and good cooperation between Europe and the US. Together, we remain committed to securing lasting peace for…
"Estonia values the US as a key NATO ally dedicated to our shared security," he wrote on social media. "Look forward to enhancing bilateral ties and good cooperation between Europe and the US. Together, we remain committed to securing lasting peace for Ukraine."
Michal also thanked former President Joe Biden for his leadership earlier in the day.
"Your strong contribution to bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities and the steps we've taken together as allies to ensure the security of Europe were vital. Our transatlantic partnership has become even closer over these challenging years," he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) also welcomed Trump and Vice-President JD Vance into office.

"We are living in pivotal times and in order to face the numerous challenges facing the democratic world and ensure economic prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic, Europe and the United States must continue cooperating closely," he said in a statement.
The foreign minister said the USA is a close ally and Estonia is working on further boosting our current close political, economic and security cooperation.
"In any event, Estonia's foreign policy is continuing on the current course. The restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the defeat of the aggressor in this war remains our main objective," Tsahkna said.
"I am convinced that if the democratic West can demonstrate resolve in helping Ukraine and achieve a lasting and just peace, it will make Europe and the United States of America even stronger."
This article was updated to add comments from Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and again on January 21 to add comments from Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna.
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Editor: Helen Wright