The meeting of Chairman of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson with the Minister of Defence of Belgium Steven Vandeput and the delegation accompanying him focused on bilateral defence cooperation, security in Europe and the preparations for the NATO Summit in Warsaw.

Mihkelson thanked to Belgium for its contribution to the success of the Baltic Air Policing mission. Belgian air forces protected the Baltic airspace with F-16 fighters from January to April this year. The Minister of Defence of Belgium asserted his solidarity. He said that for a country whose defence expenses formed around 0.9 percent of GDP, it was very important to make a contribution where it could be of use.

The Minister also stated that Belgium would contribute to Baltic air policing also in the future, send its expert to NATO cyber defence centre and participate in international exercises.

Chairman of the National Defence Committee Marko Mihkelson and members of the Committee Marianne Mikko and Madis Milling also met with the delegation of the National Defence Committee of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium.

Topical national defence issues were discussed at the meeting, focusing on Russia’s revisionist activities in the Baltic region. Mihkelson said that any possible aggression can be confronted only if the member states of the European Union and NATO have solidarity.

Mihkelson introduced his Belgian colleagues the report “Strengthening the Strategic Balance in the Baltic Sea Area”, which was drawn up by the International Centre for Defence Studies and commissioned by the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu.

Photos of the meeting.

Riigikogu Press Service
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