Kallas thanked Macron for the contribution of France in ensuring the security of the region and NATO as a whole. ‘France is an important ally for Estonia,’ said Kallas. ‘Members of our Defence Forces serve together in Mali, and the contribution of France into the security of our region is major. Last year, the French contributed to NATO Air Policing at Ämari, and this spring, they will return to the NATO Battle Group positioned in Estonia.’
Next week, President Macron and Prime Minister Kallas will participate at a video conference coordinating the cooperation of countries of the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad). Estonia participates in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane with a platoon-sized unit, and with special forces in the Takuba Task Force; in addition, Estonian staff officers participate in the activities of the UN peacekeeping mission and the European Union Training Mission.
Kallas and Macron also discussed relations with the new administration of the USA, the future of NATO, and relations with Russia. The Prime Minister also introduced the priorities of the new Government, and Macron and Kallas both confirmed the importance of the aim of climate neutrality in the European Union, as well as in every Member State.
Kallas accepted Macron’s invitation to have a bilateral meeting at the first opportunity.
