Other events in Baltic States

The minister of defence of Estonia Jaak Aaviksoo visited the Estonian infantry company and the mine-throwing team serving in the Now Zad settlement in the Helmand province, writes Postimees Online/LETA.

On Thursday noon, the minister visited the staff of the British Helmand battle group in Lashkar Gah and also met with the Estonian medical expert Argo Parts who is working in the Lashkar Gar provincial restoration team.

In the evening Aaviksoo flew to the allied forces’ support point in Now Zad where the Estonian infantry company Estcoy-6 as well as the mine-throwing team and logistical support element are serving.

Aaviksoo stated that the good work of Estonian soldiers has made a small country like Estonia ten times bigger in the eyes of our partners. “The fact that you have shown yourselves from the best possible angle here is important to the Defence Forces, to yourselves as well as to those who wait for you at home,” said Aaviksoo, expressing thanks to the soldiers on behalf of all of the people concerned.

The minister noted that Afghans as well as the allied troops have a long and hard path to go through before the situation in the country will have definitively stabilised.

In the evening, Aaviksoo met with the members of Estonian Defence Forces who serve in the Camp Bastion military base and visited the military hospital there where Captain Major Jaan Kirss, an Estonian surgeon, is also serving.