Leaders Discuss Bilateral Defense Issues

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2015 – Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work hosted the Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson at the Pentagon today to discuss bilateral defense issues.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Pentagon officials said Work assured Sveinsson of the U.S. commitment to bilateral defense cooperation and to Iceland's defense in accordance with the 1951 Bilateral Defense Agreement.

“The two leaders discussed the importance of the U.S.-Iceland bilateral relationship, NATO operations, Nordic and Arctic regional security, and maritime cooperation,” the statement said.

The deputy secretary also expressed appreciation for the leadership role Iceland has assumed in enhancing regional cooperation on Arctic issues, including maritime search-and-rescue activities, the statement said.

“Both leaders highlighted their mutual security interests, and affirmed their commitment to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation to meet future security challenges,” the statement said.

Sveinsson is visiting Washington to open a yearlong exhibition of Icelandic photographs at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, officials said.