Iceland: Remarks by High Representative Kallas at EU-Iceland Security and Defence Partnership Signing Ceremony

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It is great pleasure to welcome you in Brussels today, and I am really happy that we were able to sign this agreement today.

The EU and Iceland are very close friends.

Iceland has been a valued partner for the European Union for very long time, and a trusted ally also in the Northern Atlantic. And also what is important nowadays is really a strong supporter of the rules-based international order. 

By signing the Security and Defence Partnership, we are taking our relationship to the next level. 

Today's decision is driven by the simple but powerful reality; our security is shared, and also our challenges are shared. From Russian threats to the seabed infrastructure, to China's growing interest in the Arctic. 

Addressing these together gives us great leverage.

This new partnership will deepen our cooperation in areas that matter to our citizens, that matter to the safety of our citizens, from maritime security and protection of critical infrastructure to strengthening resilience against cyber threats. 

And this is a win-win situation, for Iceland as well as for the European Union.

On a separate issue, let me also briefly mention your upcoming referendum on the EU membership negotiation. Of course, Iceland and Icelandic people will decide what their future is. Should Icelanders should you choose to pursue EU membership, Iceland would certainly be a front runner in this process.

You are already strong on your own, joining the EU would make you even stronger. So you will have the support of the EU, if necessary, throughout the process, if you decide to pursue it.

Dear Minister, thank you again for being here and thank you for the signature for this agreement. 

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/media/video/I-286839