Minister encourages increased cooperation between Russia and NATO

In his speech at the meeting of the NATO-Russia council at the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, Icelandic Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson focused on increased cooperation between NATO and Russia, and emphasized the shared interests between the two in numerous fields. Improved cooperation between NATO and Russia would continue to enhance security and stability in Europe.

"Iceland sees Russia as a strong but peaceful neighbour, with whom we want to increase cooperation based on the same fundamentals as with other neighboring countries, in particular when it comes to matters of the High North," Foreign Minister Skarphedinsson said. He added that Iceland was stepping up its cooperation with Russa, reflecting joint interests.

Minister Skarphedinsson welcomed the emphasis NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rassmussen has put on increased cooperation with Russia. He concurred with those Ministers who supported a future cooperation with Russia based on what unites the parties rather than what separates.

The next meeting of the NATO-Russia Council is planned in Lissabon, Portugal, in November. All NATO member states and Russia sit on the Council.

Later this year a meeting is planned between Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Skarphedinsson