The US Ambassador to Estonia, Roman Pipko, says he is saddened by the public debate. He thanks Riigikogu member Hanah Lahe for her honesty. Pipko says other discussions are misleading and show no respect for US soldiers who are in Estonia.
Pipko visited the Reedo military base on Thursday. He invites anyone who doubts the USA-Estonia relationship to talk to these US soldiers. These soldiers are stationed near the Russian border, far from their homes.
Pipko says these young men and women come to Estonia to defend the shared values of the USA and Estonia. The USA-Estonia relationship is based on long-standing diplomatic ties and a commitment to freedom. These values have helped both countries overcome difficult times.
Pipko does not wish to comment on Estonian domestic politics. He says the USA-Estonia relationship must be more important than everyday politics.
EKRE chairman Martin Helme said that the USA sees Estonia's natural resources as an important area of cooperation. Riigikogu member Hanah Lahe said this is not true. According to Lahe, there was little discussion about natural resources, and the US ambassador considered military cooperation with Estonia very important.