Can't totally rely on others
Foreign Minister Thorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir reiterated the importance of Iceland further strengthening cooperation with the Allies and strengthening its own ability to ensure position consciousness, security, defense and traumatic resistance in the opening speech at a security seminar yesterday.
The seminar was organized by Varðberg, the Western Cooperation Association and international affairs, and worked in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
« There is no one that we stand on the crossroads, in terms of European security and at the same time in our own security and defense, » said Thorgerður Katrín.
« It's not an option »
“The foundations of the country's defense are unchanged, but require increased activity and cultivation. There, the membership of the Alliance and the defense agreement with the United States is important. Iceland's geographical position for the security and defense of North America and Europe weighs heavily here. That does not mean, however, that we can completely rely on others. It's not an option. We want to influence our position with active participation and collaboration, ”said Thorgerður.
In his address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the importance of continued support for the defense of Ukraine and the solidarity of Western countries. Iceland would continue to be the advocate of international law, human rights and democracy.
Then Thorgerður Katrín participated in panel discussions along with two former foreign ministers, Ingibjörg Sólruna Gísladóttir and Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörður Gylfadóttir, where the change in the security landscape and the need for infrastructure development, knowledge and ability in the field of security.
The seminar was streamed and recording can be found on Varðbergs website.
