Joint Press Statement - Iceland - UK Bilateral Defence Consultations
The regular Bilateral and Defence Dialogue between Iceland and the United Kingdom took place in Reykjavík on May 7th and 8th with discussions focusing on bilateral relations, international affairs, regional and global security, and bilateral and regional defence cooperation.
The consultations reaffirmed the strength of Iceland – UK relations within the current global context, a relationship grounded in shared values and common interest. Iceland-UK cooperation extends across a broad range of issues including security and defence, people-to-people connections, gender equality, education, and cooperation in multilateral fora including the Human Rights Council, alongside an excellent trade relationship. Both sides underlined their commitment to continue to strengthen cooperation and advance shared priorities in an increasingly complex global environment.
Security and defence cooperation was central to the consultations. Iceland and UK are founding members of NATO and share interests as neighbours in the strategically important North Atlantic region. Discussions focused on continued steadfast support for Ukraine, ongoing bilateral defence cooperation, opportunities to deepen cooperation, including on security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and cooperation within the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Both sides welcomed ongoing JEF activity and the increased focus on security in the Arctic, including maritime security and countering hybrid threats. They also noted that Iceland will host the next JEF Summit in 2027. Iceland and the UK agreed on the importance of further strengthening cooperation within NATO, the JEF and bilaterally to address shared security challenges and threats.
The UK delegation was led by Dr Ruth Wiseman, Head of Department, North and Central Europe at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Rob Douglas, Deputy Director Europe, Cabinet Office and David Morgan, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Defence. The Icelandic delegation was led by Anna Hjartardóttir, Director General of the Directorate for International Affairs and Policy. Jónas G. Allasson, Director General of the Directorate for Defence led discussions on security and defence.