General Martin Dempsey in Tallinn. Photo by ERR News

General Martin Dempsey, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, who was on a two-day working visit to Estonia, said that both countries benefit from the mutual military co-operation and the American presence in the country might continue for at least a decade.

Dempsey, who has been the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2011, is shortly leaving his post and visit to Estonia was part of his last tour, which also included Germany and Turkey.

Most of Dempsey's visit revolved around evaluating the contribution the United States has made in last year, since Russia violated Ukraine's borders.
“41 years ago I began my military career in the US armed forces in Germany, which at the time was there to protect Europe against the Soviet Union. Right now we have a different threat, which needs our solidarity,” he said.

Read more here.