Minister of Defence Laanet to the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations: Estonia actively contributes to international security

In a video call last night, Minister of Defence Kalle Laanet and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, discussed ways to further increase Estonia's contribution within the UN. Estonia's presidency of the UN Security Council and co-operation in international operations were also discussed.

'In a situation where the UN continues to play a central role as a guarantor of international security, I am delighted to note that Estonia's contribution to UN activities has increased over the years. Estonia bears a great responsibility as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and as its presidency state this month,' said Minister of Defence Kalle Laanet.

Also discussed at the meeting was the cooperation of the UN, the EU and the French-led international coalition in operations in Mali and the recent series of worrying developments affecting security in the Sahel region.

'In Mali, we are contributing two UN staff officers to the UN MINUSMA mission, in addition, the Estonian Defence Forces are participating there in cooperation with France, in our largest foreign operations Barkhane and Takuba,' Laanet specified. Estonia has been contributing to MINUSMA since 2013.

'We are closely monitoring the fragile security and political situation in Mali. Together with our allies, we have expressed our expectation that leaders who are come to power would do it legally and in accordance with the transitional period agreements,' Laanet added.

Minister Laanet and UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix discussed UN priorities in strengthening and modernising peacekeeping. For example, efforts are being made to increase the security of peacekeepers participating in UN missions and to adopt digital technologies in peacekeeping.

'Estonia has contributed more than 1300 peacekeepers to UN missions since 1995, and we are prepared to continue contributing and looking for additional opportunities to ensure peace and stability in at risk areas,' said Laanet.

Participation in UN operations supports Estonia's foreign and defence policy goals to contribute to ensuring international security. In addition to MINUSMA, Estonian servicemen are also participating in the UN missions UNIFIL and UNTSO.

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