News story

Visiting Afghanistan's Camp Bastion with Estonian Prime Minister

David Cameron ends Helmand visit at Camp Bastion with Estonian PM Andrus Ansip, Estonian and British troops.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister David Cameron concluded his visit to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with dinner in the canteen at Camp Bastion with Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Estonian and British troops

The visit reflects the close relationship between Estonia and the UK - who have become firm allies working together on a range of defence issues. Estonian and British troops are currently working side by side as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Task Force in Helmand and the two nations’ forces have fostered a great deal of mutual respect.

There are currently 165 Estonian soldiers deployed in Afghanistan, mainly in Northern Nad-e-Ali - a district that has been under British leadership and which is now in transition to Afghan army lead. Estonian and UK troops also collaborate in the Provincial Reconstruction Team based in Lashkar Gah where the Estonians provide police mentors and a civilian health advisor.

The UK has agreed to provide £70m a year to support the funding of Afghan security forces beyond 2014 while Estonia committed to provide $500,000 at the Chicago NATO Conference in May.

Published 20 July 2012