MOSCOW, September 3 (RIA Novosti) - US President Barack Obama is expected to meet the leaders of the Baltic states during his visit to the Estonian capital of Tallinn on Wednesday and use this opportunity to underscore the commitment of the United States to the security of the Baltic countries, according to US Press Secretary Josh Earnest.
“The president is looking forward to use this visit to underscore the steadfast commitment of the United States to the security of Estonia and the other Baltic states,” Earnest said.
“He’ll have an opportunity to meet with all three Baltic presidents, and these sessions will emphasize the importance we place on the transatlantic relationship, and how our collective security inextricably linked with that of Europe,” the press secretary added.
After the meeting with the leaders of the Baltic countries, Obama is expected to attend the NATO summit taking place in Wales on September 4 and 5, during which the alliance is to unveil further plans for the expansion of its military infrastructure.
Earlier, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said Estonia would like permanent NATO bases to be set up on its territory, which would reduce the level of potential threat from Russia.
NATO has been strengthening its military presence in Eastern Europe following the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns over NATO’s increasing military activity in its neighboring states.
