Support for Ukraine on the top of the agenda at the Munich Security Conference

Growing concerns over the state of international affairs were central to discussions at the annual Munich Security Conference held in Germany. Broad consensus on the importance of supporting Ukraine's defence and safeguarding democratic values were the issues that topped the agenda. Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson participated in the conference and had multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.

At the opening of the conference, the Foreign Minister participated in roundtable discussions where challenges to freedom in the world from extremism and authoritarian states were addressed. The keynote speakers were Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, and Markus Söder, Prime Minister of Bavaria.

The Foreign Minister participated in roundtable discussions on energy security on Friday, where sustainable energy sources and the need to move away from fossil fuels were the main topics of discussion. There, the minister emphasized Iceland's strong position in this area and that the doors were open for other states to seek Iceland's advice in this field.

On Saturday, the minister participated in roundtable discussions on security developments in the Arctic, as their importance in the international political context has greatly increased in recent years. Mr. Benediktsson also had numerous bilateral meetings at the conference, including with the foreign ministers of Palestine, Türkiye, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"All the discussions and conversations here underscore the deteriorating security outlook and increasing tension in international relations. Democratic states need to stand together and be ready to defend fundamental values and international law in word and deed," says Mr. Benediktsson.

The Munich Security Conference was held for the sixtieth time this year with over 900 participants including about 50 national leaders and 100 ministers, along with academics and other reputable figures in the field of security and defence.

Most sessions from the conference, including the speeches from heads of state and ministers, are accessible through streaming, which can be accessed on the conference website.