Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, is scheduled to visit Washington in early July to engage with his American counterparts and reaffirm the bilateral security partnership between Estonia and the United States, as well as their commitments to the NATO alliance.
This planned visit is particularly pertinent given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, military operations in Iran by the U.S. and Israel, and growing concerns over China’s military expansion.
During a recent briefing with DefenseScoop and participants in Estonia’s Defence Study Programme, Mihkelson emphasized that his delegation is not asking for assistance but rather aims to showcase Estonia’s commitment as an ally.
“We’re not asking for anything. We are showing through our own commitments and actions… why it is important our alliance and Europe remain as good allies for us when it comes to how to balance China and China’s growth,” he stated.
Having served in the Riigikogu for over two decades, Mihkelson brings significant experience to his role, including a background as a foreign correspondent in Moscow.
In his briefing, he provided insights into Estonia’s political and industrial landscape concerning national security.
Known for its robust digital government infrastructure, Estonia’s advancements in technology have a historical context tied to its 50-year occupation by the Soviet Union, which concluded in the early 1990s.
Mihkelson noted that Estonia leads the world in the number of technology startups valued at over $1 billion, per capita.
Regarding his upcoming trip, Mihkelson expects to meet a variety of U.S. government leaders, including members of President Donald Trump’s administration, and officials from the State and Defense Departments.
“In the Pentagon, it’s critically important… to understand what is [senior leaders’] way of thinking,” he remarked.
He expressed the necessity for continuous communication with Washington to convey feedback regarding Estonia’s security priorities as a committed ally.
Mihkelson’s team plans to engage with think tank representatives from organizations such as the Hudson Institute and the Heritage Foundation to prioritize shared research interests.
He mentioned challenges encountered in previous discussions with the National Security Council during the Biden administration and expressed hope for more fruitful engagement under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
Key discussions during their visit will address ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the increasing efforts by Russia and China to create divisions among U.S. allies.
Mihkelson highlighted that China is united in its opposition to the United States and aims to undermine U.S. leadership globally.
His comments come shortly before President Donald Trump’s order for bombings of nuclear sites in Iran, signaling heightened tensions in the region.
Regarding the evolving conflict in the Middle East, Mihkelson asserted that the status quo has significantly changed, following Israeli airstrikes on crucial Iranian military assets.
“This might end up with very dramatic change, not only in the Middle East, but that will affect all of us,” he warned.
In addition to strengthening relations with U.S. allies, Mihkelson and his committee members plan to engage with security partners in the Pacific, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
This initiative aims to better understand regional developments that could directly impact Estonia’s security, particularly concerning tensions around Taiwan.
Mihkelson conveyed the importance of collaborative efforts with partners and allies to ensure that neither Russia nor China can adversely affect global stability.
As global geopolitics shifts, Mihkelson’s upcoming visit highlights the essential role of small nations like Estonia in reinforcing alliances and fostering dialogue on pressing international security issues.
image source from：defensescoop
