On 24 July, Martin Roger, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with a visiting delegation from the United States Congress. The delegation included members of the
House of Representatives working on defence issues: Ken Calvert, Betty McCollum, Jake Ellzey, John Rutherford, Scott Franklin, Nick LaLota, and Norma Torres. Discussions focused on the regional security situation, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, reinforcing transatlantic relations, and Estonia–US bilateral cooperation.
Undersecretary Roger thanked the United States and the members of the delegation for their significant contribution and close cooperation.
“We thank Ken Calvert and the members of the delegation for their long-standing commitment and consistent support for Estonia, our region, and transatlantic security,” said Roger. “The support of the US Congress has helped strengthen Estonia’s defence capabilities and, in doing so, NATO’s eastern flank as well as the transatlantic bond.”
Roger stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, maintaining pressure on Russia, and continued US and European efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.
According to Roger, close practical cooperation forms the foundation of relations between Estonia and the US, both in defence and more broadly.
“Estonia is making determined investments in its own defence and in the security of the Alliance, and our strong alliance with the United States is essential in this regard. We highly value the continued US presence in Europe and in our region as a key element of our shared security. At the same time, we are open to expanding bilateral cooperation to further areas of mutual interest.”
Roger also noted the symbolic significance of the delegation’s visit, coinciding with the 86th anniversary of the Welles Declaration. On 23 July 1940, Acting US Secretary of State Sumner Welles condemned the Soviet Union’s occupation and annexation of the Baltic States and declared it illegal. The declaration laid the foundation for the US policy of non-recognition and helped preserve the continuity of the Estonian state throughout the years of occupation.
“The Welles Declaration remains one of the defining milestones in Estonia-US relations. It reminds us that the United States of America stood by Estonia and the other Baltic States, defending freedom and international law even in the darkest of times,” said Roger. “That same principled commitment to our shared values continues to inspire us today.”
A seven-member delegation of the United States House of Representatives, led by Ken Calvert, Chairman of the House Defence Appropriations Subcommittee, is visiting Estonia on 24–25 and 27 July.
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