“NATO has significantly strengthened its deterrent and defense capability in recent years and its role in ensuring our security and wellbeing is invaluable. The threats from the South and the East have remained the same, and in ensuring collective defense it is important that all European allies would make a sufficient contribution to defense,” Mikser said according to spokespeople.

In their meeting, the foreign ministers of the alliance focused on the relationships within NATO, and cooperation between the United States and Europe.

In addition, they discussed relations with Russia with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, as well as with representatives of Finland and Sweden.

“As long as Russia continues its provocative and unpredictable behavior, and undermines the security situation in Europe, there is no reason to change our policy,” Mikser said. “In maintaining stability, transatlantic cooperation and standing up for common values have a central role, which is demonstrated also by the enhanced presence of allies and the presence of U.S. troops in the Baltic countries,” he added.

The minister emphasized that Estonia supported making the anti-terrorist activities of NATO more effective and visible.

“In the fight against terrorism, NATO can achieve more through commitment and contribution of the allies. At the moment, Estonia has a six-strong training team taking part in the U.S.-led anti-Daesh military operation Inherent Resolve, and we are considering taking part also in the training activities of NATO,” Mikser said. “We also see a need for deeper EU-NATO cooperation in the field of combating terrorism,” he added.

At a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their continued support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and found that the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine will have a strong positive effect on the whole region.