Estonia has signed a bilateral military cooperation agreement with the US, announced by the Estonian Ministry of Defence on 17 January. Singed by the Estonian Defense Minister Margus Tsahkna and US Ambassador to Estonia James Melville, the agreement is considered a major step for enhanced defence and security cooperation in the context of NATO alliance. According to the agreement, Estonia provides the US Armed Forces with unlimited access to the Amari air base, Tapa military base and the central range of the Estonian Defence Forces. Additionally, Estonia allows the US Forces to build and renew the military stations they use.