War and Conflict Journal

Estonia’s armed forces will make a key contribution to NATO’s expansion into Southern Afghanistan, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said.

Mr. Ingram was commenting on a memorandum of understanding signed in Tallin today between the UK and Estonia, underlining ongoing military cooperation between the two countries.

Estonian forces have served with distinction alongside the UK in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif, and last year announced their commitment to deploy alongside British forces into Helmand province in the south. The first Estonian troops will begin to deploy this week.

The deployment is part of the expansion of the UN-authorized, NATO led International Security Assistance Force into southern Afghanistan.

Speaking about the signing of the memorandum today, Mr. Ingram said:

"Estonia and the UK have a successful track record of joint working in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif. I very much welcome today’s memorandum of understanding, which sets the scene for Estonian involvement in the UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand. This builds on Estonia’s decision to contribute over 100 troops towards the expansion of the International Security Assistance Force into Southern Afghanistan. Estonian military capabilities are a greatly valued contribution to the ISAF’s (International Security Assistance Force) work in helping to rebuild Afghanistan."