Rubio says Iceland’s strategic importance is growing

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iceland remains important to US defence and security, with its strategic role becoming increasingly clear. He was speaking at a press conference with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir at the Culture House on Tuesday, mbl.is reported.

Rubio said Iceland’s contribution to NATO, including allowing allied forces to maintain a military presence, was important. He added that the United States would continue working to defend Iceland and the surrounding waters.

“Geography always matters,” Rubio said, pointing to Iceland’s position between the United States and Europe and its proximity to the Arctic. He said threats were growing and that potential adversaries, competitors and commercial interests linked to them were already working against US interests.

Rubio said the United States was pleased to work closely with Iceland and wanted to continue cooperating on defence and security. He said Iceland had held a key position in the countries’ shared security for decades, despite shifting global attention over the past 20 years.

Rubio did not rule out a greater US presence in Iceland, but said any steps would be taken in cooperation with the Icelandic government. Asked whether the United States was considering a buildup in Iceland following an agreement with Denmark and Greenland, he said there were opportunities to deepen cooperation. He noted that the United States had maintained a significant presence in Iceland until 2006.