Mihkelson: Estonia is interested in strong cooperation between Europe and the USA
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson is on a one-week visit in Washington, where he will participate in the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump as a member of the delegation of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Defence and Security Committee, and meet with his colleagues in the United States Congress.
Mihkelson said that the meetings in Washington would focus on strengthening of defence cooperation and continuing of trans-Atlantic cooperation. “It is in the best interests of Estonia to take all steps that strengthen the cooperation between Europe and the USA,” he said.
Mihkelson emphasised that America had been and would remain an important ally for Estonia, and therefore it was important to continue successful cooperation also during the term of office of the new administration.
Mihkelson also stressed the importance of allied cooperation and trust in the relations with the United States. “Unity of the West and cooperation between the allies have been a firm basis for the lasting of peace and stability even in the most difficult times,” he said. The US has the role of the leader among the Western allies, and NATO is of central importance.”
On Friday Mihkelson will watch the ceremony of inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America.
The participants in the visit will be given an overview of the Institute of Peace programme for countering violent extremism. They will also be told about the possible foreign policy objectives of Trump’s administration. Besides that, there will be meetings with the members of the US Congress and the leaders of the Naval Academy.
Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
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