US and Estonia Discuss NATO Unity, Defense Collaboration at Pentagon Meeting

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III and Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met to strengthen NATO's defence capabilities and military cooperation. Key topics included NATO unity, joint exercises, and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III met with Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur at the Pentagon on Tuesday to delve into regional and bilateral issues. Their agenda encompassed enhancing NATO's defence capabilities and emphasizing the importance of joint exercises to improve efficiency between the military forces of both nations.

During their discussions, Austin and Pevkur underscored the vitality of maintaining NATO Alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine, the US Department of Defence revealed in a press release. Austin conveyed on X, "Superb meeting with steadfast Baltic Ally, @MoD_Estonia @Hanno Pevkur and I reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to NATO's credible deterrence and defence and our continued support for Ukraine. #WeAreNATO."

Key topics of discussion also included strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defence, stressing the necessity for ongoing joint exercises to boost interoperability and efficiency between military forces, ensuring a persistent US rotational presence in the Baltics, increasing defence production to aid Ukraine and replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and reviewing outcomes from the Washington NATO Summit. Pevkur highlighted Estonia's commitment to defence spending, dedicating more than three per cent of its GDP to defence and supporting Allied forces.

Secretary Austin lauded Estonia's consistent commitment and significant contributions to the Alliance and ongoing support for Ukraine. Both leaders pledged to continue working together closely to ensure the continued defence credibility and security of NATO's Eastern Flank.

(With inputs from agencies.)