Russia's aggression must not be overlooked - Estonian PM

Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas voiced gratitude to U.S. troops stationed in this Baltic state at his meeting with the head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey on Monday and at the same time stressed that Russia's aggressive actions must be kept under constant attention.

«The role of allies and of course the United States in ensuring the security of our region is of key importance,» Roivas told the U.S. general and gave assurances that Estonia will do everything to make sure allied troops have all possibilities for training and decent living conditions here.

The prime minister observed that the United States and Estonia have a common understanding of the changed security situation. It is clear that changes in the security environment are long-term and NATO has to adapt accordingly, he said.

«It is essential that, alongside the migration crisis and developments in Syria and Libya, we do not overlook Russia's continued aggressive actions in Ukraine and also in Georgia,» Roivas said.

He thanked Dempsey for his personal contribution and assured him that U.S. commitment to regional security is highly appreciated by the Estonian government. «Estonia is and will remain a staunch ally of the United States,» he said.

Dempsey is visiting Estonia at the invitation of the commander of the defense forces, Lt. Gen. Riho Terras. The program of the visit includes meetings with Defense Minister Sven Mikser and President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and visits to the NATO cyber defense center in Tallinn and the military base in Tapa where he will meet with representatives of the 1st Infantry Brigade and U.S. troops stationed there.