Defence spending, support for Ukraine top agenda of NATO ministerial meeting
The transatlantic relationship, increased defence spending, more equitable burden-sharing among allies and continued support for Ukraine were among the main topics at the NATO foreign ministers meeting that concluded in Helsingborg, Sweden, today. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs, participated in the meeting on Iceland´s behalf.
The foreign ministers discussed the follow-up to the decisions of the NATO Summit in The Hague last summer on significantly increased defence spending and how European Allies and Canada are now shouldering an increased burden on the Alliance's defence. The ministers also discussed preparations for the NATO summit to be held in Ankara, Turkey, in July, where emphasis will be placed on strengthening the defence industry alongside increased defence spending, as well as continued support for Ukraine's defence against Russia's war of aggression.
Security and defense issues in the Arctic were also discussed, especially the Alliance’s increased presence and surveillance in the region, including through NATO Arctic Sentry where Iceland has actively participated. The recent drone incidents in the Baltic States and the subsequent disinformation campaign from Russia was also high on the agenda, and the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) issued a special statement in this regard. Finally, the security situation in the Middle East was discussed, especially with regard to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, the foreign ministers met informally in the NATO-Ukraine Council in the presence of the King and Prime Minister of Sweden.
The foreign ministers of the seven Arctic states within the Alliance also held a special meeting on security issues in the Arctic. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the states underlined increased cooperation in ensuring Arctic security, with an emphasis on increased presence, monitoring and joint defense exercises.
Foreign Minister Gunnarsdóttir also held meetings with her counterparts from the Czech Republic and Greenland.