Address to the troops

by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at Amari airbase, Estonia

  • 20 Nov. 2014 -
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  • Last updated: 20 Nov. 2014 11:38

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses troops conducting the Baltic Air Police Mission at Amari airbase, Estonia

Thank you Prime Minister Rõivas,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a real pleasure to be here at Ämari Air Base. Great to see you all. And it's been great to be escorted by NATO air planes on our way.

During my first weeks in office, I have met with NATO troops in places as far apart as Poland, Turkey, and Afghanistan. And every time I have been hugely impressed.

It has been great to see so many service men and women, from so many NATO Allies, working together as one. To keep us strong. And to keep us safe.

During my visit to Estonia today, I was determined to come here to Ämari. To meet with you in person. And to thank you for your dedication, and your excellent work. Protecting the skies over the eastern part of our Alliance.

In recent months, we have seen a growing number of Russian flights near our airspace. Including here in the Baltics.

This is dangerous and provocative. But you have shown our readiness to respond. And our resolve to defend all Allies against any threat.

NATO’s most important job is to defend and to protect our nations against attack. You make sure that we get that job done every day. For that, you deserve our greatest respect. And my sincere thanks.