Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Estonian Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, at the Pentagon today to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues.
Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur discussed the importance of continuing NATO Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The two leaders discussed strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defense, the need for continued joint exercises to increase interoperability and efficiencies between military forces, U.S. continued persistent rotational presence in the Baltics, increased defense production to support Ukraine and replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and outcomes from the Washington NATO Summit.
Minister Pevkur highlighted his nation's commitment to defense spending with more than three percent of Estonia's Gross Domestic Product dedicated to defense and host nation support for Allied forces.
The Secretary praised Estonia's steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance and continued support to Ukraine.
Secretary Austin and Minister Pevkur committed to continuing to work closely together to ensure the continued defense credibility and security of NATO's Eastern Flank.
