On Tuesday, the National Defence Committee met the delegation of the National Defence Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic to discuss bilateral cooperation and to develop relations between the countries.

“The flags of the countries who have joined the NATO Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn will be hoisted at the Centre today. I am pleased that the Czech flag will fly next to those of France and UK, which will symbolise the efforts of our countries in creating and solidifying the new NATO joint capabilities,” said the Chairman of the Committee Mati Raidma.

“We have been good allies in defence cooperation. Czech aircraft are always welcome to police our common NATO air space, and Czech officers are welcome as lecturers as well as students in the Baltic Defence College in Tartu,” Raidma said. “Tightening of our bilateral parliamentary cooperation definitely sends a positive message in view of future projects.”

Topics of conversation included developments in Estonia’s national defence, security challenges, and situation in Ukraine. The guests were interested in the duties of the Estonian navy. The parties agreed that there was a need for regular bilateral meetings.

The Czechs also visited Ämari Air Base and met the Commander of the Defence Forces, Major General Riho Terras. They will also visit the NATO Cyber Defence Centre and marine base.

The guests also met the Chairman of the Estonia-Czech Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu, Tõnis Kõiv.

The delegation of the National Defence Committee visited the Czech parliament at the end of April.

Czech fighters first patrolled the Estonian and Baltic air space in 2009, and the second time in 2012.

Photos of the meeting.