Iceland and Canada back stronger NATO presence in Arctic

Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand have backed increased NATO readiness in the Arctic and North Atlantic in a joint statement, mbl.is reported.

The ministers met to discuss growing cooperation between Iceland and Canada, Arctic issues and trade. They also discussed continued support for Ukraine’s defence and the situation in the Middle East.

The statement reaffirmed the countries’ ties, with a focus on security, stability and prosperity. It also highlighted steps taken to strengthen their security and defence cooperation, including an updated agreement signed in June.

The ministers said they wanted to deepen cooperation in trade, innovation and academia. Gunnarsdóttir welcomed Anand’s visit and said the countries shared many areas of interest, particularly in the Arctic, security and defence, trade and economic development.