Strong Bilateral Defense Relationship Reaffirmed with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

The challenging security environment, cooperation in the Arctic, and bilateral defense cooperation between Iceland and the United States were among the topics discussed during a recent meeting between Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir and General Charles Q. Brown Jr., U.S. Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. 

“We had a good conversation about the development of the security environment and the challenges we face today, both military and from various hybrid threats,” said Minister Gylfadóttir. “The meeting provided a great opportunity to discuss cooperation between the two countries and the security and defense challenges we face today, in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing tension in international relations. Iceland and the United States have been strengthening their cooperation in recent years, focusing on surveillance and reconnaissance in the North Atlantic and the Arctic, which also enhances the security of all NATO Allies. ”

General Brown visited Iceland to attend a meeting of the Chiefs of Defence from the seven Arctic countries, which Iceland hosted on 9 October. The discussions at the meeting covered security developments and challenges related to climate change, increased shipping, and military activities in the Arctic.

“It was an honor to be hosted by our Icelandic partners for the Arctic Chiefs of Defense Conference,” said U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown Jr. “The Arctic is going to be a factor, not only today, but more so probably 10 to 15 years from now. Our active and unified cooperation as Arctic NATO Nations is critical as we posture for current and future security challenges to promote a prosperous and secure Arctic.”

General Brown also met with Director General Jónas G. Allansson, Iceland‘s Chief of Defence, visited the security zone in Keflavík, and was introduced to the operations of the US Navy hosted by Iceland there.