Rubio says Iceland central to North Atlantic security, open to closer cooperation

Rubio Cites Iceland’s Strategic Role, Supports Stronger US-Iceland Cooperation

US-Iceland Security Cooperation and Strategic Importance

Oct 6 (Reuters) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday it was important for the United States and Iceland to continue cooperating on security, describing the Nordic nation as central to the defence of the North Atlantic and Arctic regions as threats grow.

Rubio said Iceland occupied a critical strategic position for Western security and that Washington would be open to exploring closer cooperation, citing concerns about military, economic and infrastructure-related threats in the High North.

Key Statements from Secretary Rubio

Below are quotes from Rubio, who was speaking alongside his Icelandic counterpart, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, during a visit to the country:

On Continued Cooperation

• "It's important that we continue to cooperate and secure your realm the way we are doing and continue to do."

Iceland’s Strategic Location

• "Iceland sits at the center of many of the questions surrounding the security and defence of our shared region."

Growing Threats in the Region

• "Today, those threats are growing."

US Military Presence and Collaboration

• "Iceland has allowed the US military to project power, and collectively working together, using your land, your air, your sea, giving us a critical outpost for monitoring clandestine behaviour and deterring our adversaries."

• "We would be open to having those conversations to see what more we can do together. I know there's interest in doing more together."

Iceland’s Role in US and European Defense

• "Iceland and its location plays a critical role in the defence both of Europe but also of the homeland of the United States because of geography."

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and William James, writing by Sam Tabahriti; editing by Sam Tobin)