Strong Allies in the North Atlantic
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Defence
Speech/statement | Date: 22/03/2017
Iceland and Norway, long-standing partners and Allies, have a common interest in safeguarding and promoting prosperity and security in our region. In recent years, we have seen new security challenges emerging threatening to undermine the rule-based international order. This calls for active diplomacy coupled with national resilience and international cooperation on security and defence.
By Minister of Foreign Affairs Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson (Iceland) and Minister of Defense Ine Eriksen Søreide (Norway)
As NATO members, Iceland and Norway firmly support NATO’s adaptation to these challenges. The Alliance and its members have taken concrete steps to reinforce collective defence and deterrence in Europe and a stronger role in projecting stability in its vicinity. Iceland and Norway are contributing to this shared effort.
At home, we are adapting our policies and increasing financial contributions for security and defence. Norway is making significant investments in new maritime capabilities, including submarines, ships and maritime patrol aircraft. Iceland is increasing funding for defence-related activities and is committed to providing host nation support for allies operating in the North Atlantic region.
Our contributions and capabilities are an integral part of NATO’s collective defence and situational awareness in the North Atlantic, a region of increasing strategic significance for the Euro-Atlantic area. We will continue to work with our Allies in strengthening NATO’s maritime posture and capabilities.
The defence cooperation between Iceland and Norway, based on our NATO membership, NORDEFCO and the bilateral agreement on Security, Defence and Civil Preparedness, continues to evolve and adapt to new and emerging challenges.
Therefore, we have signed a Joint Declaration on security and defence where we reaffirm our commitments and interest in exploring further opportunities for deepening our cooperation.
Iceland and Norway remain strong Allies in the North Atlantic and, together, we are determined to enhance security in our part of the world.