Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the 70th Anniversary of the Bilateral Defense Agreement Between the U.S. and Iceland

 May 5, 2021

---

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III:

The Department of Defense – in concert with the Department of State – is honored to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the Bilateral Defense Agreement signed by the United States of America and the Republic of Iceland.

The U.S. remains firmly committed to the principles of the agreement and is grateful for our strong bilateral defense cooperation throughout the years.

As founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the U.S. and Iceland have demonstrated collective resolve to overcome many challenges over the years.  NATO’s shared values remain the foundation of transatlantic peace and security. 

For more than 70 years, NATO has demonstrated its ability to adapt to confront evolving security threats.  By continuing to consult together, decide together, and act together we will preserve our way of life based on shared values and interests.