Minister R. Karoblis , Latvia’s Defence Minister Raimonds Bergmanis, and their Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna also welcomed the fact that it was the first time NATO alliance’s borders were marked not only by lines on the map but also by boots on the ground. The Ministers agreed to make every effort to strengthen the insufficient capabilities, primarily air defence, in order for the Baltic states to fulfil their strife to strengthen their own and Alliance’s collective defence. For which reason budgeting 2 percent of GDP for defence is imperative but it is no more than minimal financing of a reliable defence.
The Ministers pointed out clearly that the Baltic states stand ready to contribute to an effective military response to any type of threat and underscored the resolve to increase the input into counter-terrorism efforts.
In the communique signed at the meeting the Ministers thank the U.S. Administration for strengthening the European Reassurance Initiative and for the steadfast commitment of the countries leading and contributing to NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Groups to the security of the Baltic states.
