WASHINGTON (ChatnewsTV) — The United States and Estonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday to bolster their efforts against foreign state information manipulation, a growing global threat to democratic institutions.
According to a press statement released on Thursday by the state department, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop signed the agreement in Washington, with Estonian Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov also in attendance. The MOU emphasizes enhanced cooperation between the two nations in countering disinformation and propaganda efforts aimed at undermining democratic processes.
“This memorandum underscores the shared understanding between the United States and Estonia of the dangers posed by foreign information manipulation,” Campbell said. “Disinformation is not just a national issue, it’s a threat to democracies worldwide.”
The agreement outlines steps for increased information sharing and collaboration in countering disinformation, including the exchange of best practices and coordination on policies. The initiative aligns with the U.S. State Department’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, which focuses on five key action areas aimed at strengthening resilience against propaganda.
“With Estonia now part of this coalition, 21 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, and the Indo-Pacific are united in the fight to secure a global, fact-based information environment,” said Peterkop, stressing the importance of international cooperation.
The MOU is a significant move in the broader U.S. strategy to combat the influence of foreign states in spreading disinformation, as both nations reaffirm their commitment to defending democratic values in the digital age.
