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Estonia holds strategic security dialogue with Romania

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

06.03.2024

On 5 and 6 March, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Kusti Salm hosted their colleagues from the foreign and defence ministries of Romania as part of a strategic dialogue. The main topics of discussions were the defence and security policy of Europe and the Alliance, NATO's upcoming Washington summit and Russia's war against Ukraine. The two-day meeting also included security briefings and a visit to the Tapa military base.

The discussion on defence and security policy focused on reinforcing the eastern border and increasing the real defence capabilities of Europe and NATO. "The eastern border states of NATO and the European Union share a similar geopolitical reality and perception," Secretary General Vseviov said. "It is essential for the security policy of the region that these countries boost their cooperation and ties."

"Russia's continued war of aggression in Ukraine is prominent in the thoughts and discussions of Europeans from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Romania is Estonia's important partner and NATO Ally. I am glad we were able to talk about defence cooperation and share our respective positions ahead of the quickly approaching Washington summit," Secretary General Salm said.

"We are standing at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine, with Ukraine urgently needing our help in mainly weapons aid as it fights for Europe's freedom and security. It is important for both countries individually and the European Union to quickly make the decisions that help Ukraine win this war," Vseviov said.

They also emphasised that the NATO summit in Washington must deliver clearer messages and more concrete steps to Ukraine on its path to joining the Alliance. "We cannot get stuck in the Vilnius summit and we must make quick process in Ukraine's accession process," Vseviov emphasised.

At the Tapa military base, Commander of the Estonian Division Major General Veiko-Vello Palm briefed his Romanian colleagues on the capabilities of Estonia and Allies in defending the eastern border of NATO and the European Union.

It was the first meeting between Estonia and Romania held in the strategic dialogue format.

The Romanian delegation was headed by Ana Tinca, State Secretary for Strategic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Major General Mihail Iancu, Undersecretary for Defence Policy at the Ministry of Defence. It was the first international visit for Ana Tinca who recently took office as State Secretary.