TALLINN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday started his two-day official visit to Estonia, focusing on the issues of migration, defense security and European unity.
Meeting her Italian counterpart, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid noted that "Estonia is contributing to solving the migration crisis according to the agreements made so far; the members of our defence forces are taking part in the European Union's maritime mission".
Kaljulaid thanked Mattarella for his country's contribution to the Baltic air policing mission and for participating in the Tallinn-based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE).
The two presidents agreed that nations need to remain united in order to find solutions to the main challenges facing the EU and NATO.
Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas, who also met Mattarella, said: "It is important for Estonia that both NATO and the European Union stand united".
"We are all more secure if the Allies in NATO share the burden and strengthen their security," said Ratas on the requirement for all NATO member states to prepare a plan to maintain or achieve the level of defense expenses at the required 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2024.
"Since 2015, Estonia's defence expenses have been higher than the required 2 percent of GDP. I am glad that other allies are also making efforts to achieve this goal," he added.
Ratas acknowledged Italy's active participation in NATO activities, including in the Baltic region for being a founder member of the NATO CCDCOE in Tallinn, and having participated in Baltic air policing several times.
Ratas also stressed that Europe needs a long-term solution to the issue of migration, including securing the external border of the EU.
