The US Congress approved a draft budget of $2.3 trillion, which provides for the provision of military assistance to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the amount of $168.7 million (€138.2 million) in 2021. For the first time, funds are allocated within the framework of the new Baltic Security Initiative, err.ee writes.
“The decision of the US Congress shows that our main ally is committed to protecting our region and understands the threats that exist here. We appreciate this and are ready to further develop valuable and consistent cooperation with the United States at all levels. The Congress decision confirms that the United States views Estonia and the other Baltic countries as reliable allies, which also take responsibility for their own defense, invest heavily in developing their defense capabilities and contribute to international operations together with allies”, – said the Estonian minister defense Yuri Luik.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, the current decision, especially the addition of a separate Baltic Security Initiative to the US budget package, is important.
“This decision is a positive and tangible result of a special long-term relationship between Estonia and the United States. Our embassy in Washington also played an important role in achieving this, which has done a great job to ensure that the Baltic states take a firm place in the annual US defense activities”, – says Reinsalu.
As part of a Congress-approved initiative, the US Department of Defense and the Department of State will develop a multi-year military aid strategy and spending plan for the Baltic states, and explain how investments in areas such as special operations, air defense, ammunition, and maritime awareness will enhance “restrainment of Russia” in the region.
