By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2014 – Acting Deputy Secretary of
Defense Christine Fox and Iceland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gunnar
Sveinsson discussed a range of issues during a meeting at the Pentagon today,
while reaffirming both nations' support for Ukraine and stressing the need for
security in the Arctic region.
"Fox conveyed gratitude for the strong U.S.-Icelandic
bilateral relationship and noted that Iceland is a valued NATO ally and an
important leader in addressing Nordic regional challenges," Defense
Department Spokesman James Swartout said in a statement issued after the
meeting.
The discussions included the current situation in Ukraine
with Fox and Sveinsson reaffirming "their countries' support for Ukraine
and the need for steps at NATO to provide reassurance to our European
allies." The spokesman said the
two also discussed "our shared goal of ensuring the Arctic remains stable
and secure, and the importance that capabilities like search and rescue will
have in the future."
Before their talks, Sveinsson was greeted at the Pentagon by
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who, Swartout said, "highlighted the similarities
between U.S. and Icelandic priorities for keeping the Arctic region stable and
secure."
Ways of enhancing mutual security interests were also
discussed, the Pentagon spokesman said, as well as Iceland's support for the
NATO mission in Afghanistan.
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