Bundeswehr Inspector General visits Estonia
German Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer visited Estonia on Tuesday and met with Estonian Defence Forces Commander Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo. The two discussed bilateral defense cooperation and strengthening NATO's eastern flank.
German Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer visited Estonia on Tuesday, meeting with Estonian Defence Forces Commander Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo.
Merilo said Germany is a very important ally for Estonia and that cooperation between the two countries' armed forces is very close. He noted that in the current security situation it is important to develop capabilities together with allies, regularly refine joint defense plans, and be ready to act as one. He stressed Germany's significant role both in ensuring regional security and in developing NATO's collective defense.
Topics discussed
During the visit, the two sides reviewed the regional security situation and the activities of the Estonian Defence Forces, and discussed further Estonian-German defense cooperation, including air defense development, joint exercises, implementation of NATO's regional defense plans, and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries' armed forces in Estonia and the Baltic Sea region.
Breuer said Germany and Estonia are allies, partners and friends standing shoulder to shoulder in defending NATO's territory, seas and airspace. He noted that the 1st German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) has received new important tasks for more effective defense of NATO's eastern flank, and thanked Merilo and the Estonian Defence Forces for their steadfast reliability.
The Estonian Defence Forces noted that Estonia and Germany are developing multifaceted defense cooperation, including joint exercises and training, development of various capabilities, participation in international missions, and deployment of allied forces to strengthen security on NATO's eastern flank. Through its participation in 1GNC activities, Germany ties itself to the alliance's regional command. Germany is also one of the founding nations and one of the most significant partners of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Tallinn, and actively supports the work of the Baltic Defence College.
