Situation in Ukraine discussed at NATO summit

The NATO summit commenced today in Wales, Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson and Foreign Minster Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson attend the meeting.

The situation in Ukraine is on the agenda and the leaders discussed the military conflict and the relationship with Russia with the president of Ukraine, Petro Poroschenko. Russia's military intervention and actions in Ukraine pose a threat to European security and violate international law. The leaders reaffirmed their support of Ukraine sovereignty and independence and called upon Russia to cease its actions and support peaceful resolution.

“The outlook for European security has unfortunately been changing rapidly in recent months, as a result of Russia's actions and the conflict in Ukraine. It is clear that NATO will place more emphasis on collective defence and cooperation with states that are willing to safeguard international law and democracy” said Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson.

NATO Foreign Ministers met with the Foreign Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, FYR of Macedonia and Montenegro to discuss their reform process as aspirant countries for NATO membership.

Leaders from 48 states contributing to the ISAF mission met with the Afghan Minister of Defence. The ISAF mission, which has lasted more than a decade, will come to an end later this year but with continued support from ISAF nations, including Iceland, to the development of Afghanistan