Kaljulaid stressed the importance of trans-Atlantic cooperation, and thanked the U.S. for its contribution to guaranteeing the security of the Western world.

“NATO today is stronger than ever, and the USA’s contribution to this cannot be overestimated,” Kaljulaid said.

She added that the U.S. had been one of Estonia’s closest allies since the country regained its independence and the last of the Russian troops left the country.

Speaker Ryan and Kaljulaid agreed that a strong NATO and a strong and working European Union was what both sides of the Atlantic wanted. “In matters of the fight against terrorism, regarding hybrid threats and standing up to them, or in security cooperation in broader terms,” Kaljulaid said.

The cooperation of the U.S. and Estonia in the field of cyber defense was also discussed. “Estonia has unique and long-term experience how to build up a digital society, and what cyber security means. I hope that we will see joint ventures between the two countries, and even closer cooperation in this area,” the president said.