The Estonian Prime Minister, who paid a quick visit to Finland, says that the country is used to the way Russia does. – Finland can also be ok with this, says Kaja Kallas.
– Yes, Russia is trying to threaten – but the only thing to fear is fear itself, says the Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
He points out that, unlike Finland, Estonia had to live under occupation for five decades.
– We have been dealing with Russian provocations for a long time. It has threatened with things it has already done, Kallas mentions. – They said they were bringing Iskander missiles to NATO borders, even though they had been there for years.
According to Kallas, this is Russia’s way of playing.
– We’re used to answering that. We are ok with that, and so can you, he encourages Finns.
Estonia has expressed its positive attitude towards Finland’s NATO membership in every way.
“We are your highest friends in NATO”
– We are your highest friends in NATO, says Kallas in an interview.
He recalls that in the case of Estonia, NATO negotiations lasted five years, followed by ratification of membership. The process in Finland and Sweden would be faster.
– The attitude of NATO allies is very positive, assures Kallas.
The Prime Minister of Estonia visited Helsinki on the occasion of the Finnish Bar Association. He did not meet with representatives of the Finnish government this time, but the next visit is planned for the beginning of June. The President of Estonia Alar Karis will participate in the Tuglas Society’s celebratory seminar in Helsinki next week.
In the case of Estonia, it would be a matter of months
Prime Minister Kallas reminds that the approval of NATO membership is needed from the parliament of each country, and democracy takes time.
– Estonia has its own parliamentary process, says Kallas and estimates that it is a matter of months.
The Prime Minister of Estonia believes that Finland now seems to be working fast for NATO membership. Kallas describes the underlying world situation as unfortunate – it does not allow much time for discussion and decision-making.
Finland’s eastern border and European security
Finland has been considering whether NATO membership would also make Finland responsible for Estonia’s defense.
Kallas says that within NATO, Finland is expected to primarily protect its own border with Russia.
– But we have to look at what we can do together. It is a question of Europe, he recalls.
Kallas believes that the current crisis has shown that it is not enough for each country to focus on its own defense.
– We have to think regionally, and understand that together we are stronger.
The Estonian Prime Minister mentions air defense systems, which are expensive for both Estonia and Finland.
– If we work together, the air defense will cover a wider area, and everyone will benefit.
“Finland would make NATO stronger”
Would NATO membership take Finnish Hornet fighters to Estonian skies?
– Right now, Estonia does not need the participation of the Finnish Air Force, because in air surveillance, NATO planes alternate at Amar’s base, says Kallas.
He recalls that if he is in NATO, he is also involved in the plans of the Defense Alliance.
– Finland’s involvement makes NATO stronger, says the Estonian Prime Minister. – At the same time, security in the whole area will increase.