Laar discussed cyber protection with the Senate’s leader of homeland security
02.08.2011 | Mart Laar | English news
The Minister of Defence Mart Laar met Joe Lieberman, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs yesterday in Washington, talking mostly on cyber defence and the Cyber Defence League established in Estonia.
Senator Lieberman said upon his meeting with the Minister of Defence Laar that Estonia is a role model for other countries for both its democratic and economic reforms and its activity in building and defending an e-state.
The Senator was interested in Estonian experience in cyber defence; the activity of the Cyber Defence League which is a good example of cooperation between the Defence Forces and civil structures was also discussed in greater length at the meeting.
"The United States is also actively involved in cyber defence, but it has noticed Estonia's efficiency and commitment in this area," Minister of Defence Laar said.
The Minister of Defence who is currently visiting the United States, will continue his meetings with the representatives of the U.S. brain trusts and the leading politicians. There have been discussions on the U.S.-Estonian bilateral relations and defence cooperation, also on the situation in Russia and cyber defence.
"Cooperation with the United States is already very close, but I believe it can be improved even further. It is good to see that in some areas, we a no longer a receiver, but already also a giver. All Congressmen I have met with have known Estonia well for our contribution in Afghanistan; our soldiers are praised and acknowledged," Laar said.
He also stated that Estonia is acknowledged for its decisive actions to recover from the economic crisis through painful, but necessary cuts, and raising the defence expenditure to two per cent of the gross domestic product.
"Compared with the U.S. defence budget, these amounts are of course small, but the way Estonia keeps to its promises and principles is impressive even for America," Laar said.
Source: Ministry of Defence
