Estonian Prime Minister Kristan Michal told Anadolu Agency at the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara that Estonia is "probably the best partner" for Turkey among Northern European and Baltic countries.
In the meeting on Tuesday, July 7, Michal stressed that the summit is critically important for demonstrating the unity and solidarity of allies. "The summit in Ankara is of great importance in terms of sending the message that allies stand together," he said.
Recalling that Estonia joined NATO in 2004 and attended the alliance summit in Turkey that same year, Michal noted that this year's meeting also holds historical significance for his country.
The summit's main priorities include increasing defense spending and investments, continuing support for Ukraine, and strengthening the defense industry.
Describing Estonia and Turkey as strong NATO partners, Michal thanked Turkey for its contributions to the air security of Estonia and the Baltic countries.
Estonia becomes a 'reference country' for Turkish armored vehicles
Pointing to the expanding defense industry cooperation between the two countries, Michal said, "We have very good cooperation with the Turkish defense industry, and they also produce in Estonia. Therefore, I can say that Estonia is a good partner for Turkey."
Noting that Estonia has become a "reference country" for Turkish armored vehicles, the Prime Minister said the Estonian armed forces use armored vehicles from Nurol Makina and ARCA Defense. He said they are very satisfied with the performance of these vehicles and that they are used in a wide variety of missions.
Michal also added that ARCA Defense will produce 155-millimeter ammunition in the Estonian defense industry park.
"Given the size of our country, we are probably the best partner for Turkey among Northern European and Baltic countries," Michal said, expressing hope that the summit will be remembered as a gathering that demonstrated NATO's unity and strength.
Michal said the summit in Ankara will go down in history as an event that showed NATO allies are "united" and "strong," sending the message to adversaries, including Russia, that opposing the alliance would be a mistake. The Prime Minister added that expectations from the summit are high.
