UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet with members of the UK military commanding NATO’s mission in Estonia. He will subsequently travel to Norway for a NATO Foreign Ministers conference.
The UK’s commitment to NATO and the defence of its ‘Eastern Flank’ will be emphasised today. As Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson lands in Tallinn for the first leg of a two-leg visit to Northern Europe.
James Cleverly will visit Estonia for the first time as Foreign Secretary to emphasise the UK’s role as a steadfast security partner committed to deterring aggression and defending all NATO Allies in times of crisis and conflict.
As part of that partnership, the Foreign Secretary will pay a visit to the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion. Which is currently stationed in the Baltic Sea for two months participating in military exercises with allies in the region, to hear from British military personnel from all three British Armed Forces. Including some of the 850 UK troops stationed in the country as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.
He will also emphasise the UK’s strong desire for ongoing close cooperation on matters critical to European security. Such as continued support for Ukraine and collaboration to combat illegal migration.
Cleverly will visit Oslo for the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting
Cleverly will then travel to Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers to urge Sweden to join the Alliance as soon as possible before the Vilnius Summit in July. Norway and Estonia are also members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). A collection of like-minded northern European nations dedicated to defending democracy, security, and stability in the region, in addition to NATO’s larger activities.
Cleverly will witness firsthand how British forces personnel lead NATO’s land and air missions to Estonia, assisting in its defence on land, sea, and air.
The UK Foreign Secretary will watch RAF Typhoons take to the skies as the current lead nation for Baltic air policing out of Estonia. As well as British Army Apache and Wildcat helicopters supporting multi-national exercises, at Amari air base.
Cleverly will meet with the founders of Estonian digital companies to boost business relations between the UK and Estonia. He will discuss the status of the UK-Estonia tech cooperation. Which aims to develop innovative technologies in areas such as digital health and renewable energy while also creating jobs and supporting economic growth.
The Foreign Secretary will also make a visit to an Estonian school for children of Ukrainian refugees who have fled their country’s strife. Since the start of the war, Estonia has taken in around 46,000 Ukrainians, providing them with a haven away from Russian shelling.