Chairman of Military Committee commends Iceland’s unwavering support for NATO

During his visit to Reykjavik, General Petr Pavel met with Director of Defence, Mr. Arnor Sigurjonsson and key staff. Discussions focused on Maritime Security, Cyber Defence, the fight against terrorism and Air Defence, especially the recent support of the Czech Air Force as part NATO’s Air Policing mission over Iceland. The Chairman used the opportunity to thank Iceland for its continued commitment and contributions to NATO: “  You contribute to our trust fund to help Ukraine modernise its command and control capabilities. These contributions show we can count on Iceland. And Iceland can count on NATO. Iceland is a valued Ally and has been for nearly 70 years. You contribute to NATO in many ways”

While in Iceland, the Chairman also met with the Permanent Secretary of State, Mr. Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson. Following their conversation on North Atlantic Security and the continued importance of North Atlantic sea lines of communications, NATO’s current and future security challenges and its continued adaptation, General Pavel remarked how “We are facing the most challenging security environment since the end of the Cold War. Russia continues its destabilizing pattern of military activities in and around Ukraine. But also in the Atlantic and Arctic. NATO is responsible for the security of all its members – including in the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic. We will never waver in that responsibility”.

The Chairman then attended a roundtable with the Permanent Secretary of State, Mr. Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Foreign Policy Advisor Ambassador, Ms. Ingibjörg Davíðsdóttir, Director of Defence, Mr. Arnór Sigurjónsson, Director of Public Security Ms. Þórunn J. Hafstein, Rear Admiral Georg Lárusson, Minister-Counsellor Mr. Bjarni Vestmann, Minister-Counsellor Mr. Friðrik Jonsson, Counsellor Ms. Ólöf Hrefna Kristjánsdóttir, and Captain Jón Guðnason. A frank exchange of views on NATO’s continued relevance in today’s ever changing security environment and its ongoing Operations, Missions and Activities was held.

General Pavel concluded his visit to Reyjkavik by speaking at the Icelandic North Atlantic Treaty Association on the new challenges facing Northern Europe and Euro-Atlantic defence. He stressed that “in this global security environment, it is more important than ever to work together.  We, at NATO, recognize that success in addressing these challenges will depend on the wider nation-building efforts of the international community.”