Then and now. On 4 April 1949 twelve Allies signed the Atlantic Treaty at Mellon Auditorium, Washington DC. Earlier this week 32 Allies gathered in the same chamber to commemorate 75 years of NATO unity and resolve.
Celebrating 75 years, @NATO is stronger than ever. Iceland is proud to be one of 12 founding nations of our Alliance that is now 32 members strong, including all five Nordics. Today we continue to defend peace and freedom, support Ukraine and strengthen collective defence.
The #1NATO75years Summit has started. Leaders gathered at the Mellon Auditorium where the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in 1949. A moving commemoration of 75 years of unity and resolve. FM @thordiskolbrun with powerful words at a women, peace and security event @StateDept.
Iceland is one of twelve founding members of NATO. At this week´s #NATOSummit in Washington 🇺🇸 Prime Minister @Bjarni_Ben heads the 🇮🇸 delegation. 75 years ago his namesake & great-uncle, Bjarni Benediktsson, was Foreign Minister & signed Washington Treaty for Iceland. #WeAreNATO
🇮🇸 @thordiskolbrun: We gain a lot by listening to the countries closest to Russia.
The US must recognize that paying the insurance is always a smarter business than not doing so, she tells @NPRKelly.
The war in Ukraine has implications beyond Ukraine, she adds.
Congratulations to @MinPres Mark Rutte on your appointment as NATO SG.
Mr Rutte is precisely the experienced leader we need at the helm of our Alliance now when our security and resolve are being tested more thoroughly than ever before.
NATO's security is not only threatened by weaponry but also by insidious efforts to undermine the foundations of our free, liberal and democratic societies.
Iceland is committed to contributing meaningfully to the Alliance's efforts in addressing the complex security challenges we are facing, continuing the transformation of NATO‘s collective defence and spearheading Allied support for Ukraine.
At the annual summer meeting of the Nordic Foreign Ministers, we had excellent and honest discussions about the current security situation in the world. Unfortunately, the challenges are many and complex.
Russia's territorial war of aggression in Ukraine is a terrible event that is undermining the system of international law and cooperation that has been a tremendous blessing for mankind for the last 80 years.
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank and the tensions on Israel's northern border are another severe challenge, where those in power have not proven themselves capable of securing a peaceful co-existence for their peoples.
The Nordics are a region that has been blessed with peace and prosperity. We all view it as our duty to contribute meaningfully in whatever capacity we can.
Now that we are all allies in NATO, we remain determined to emphasise the importance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law against the ongoing challenges from those who seek to replace the liberal order with autocracy and repression. In this respect, the upcoming Washington summit will be crucial.
Thank you @TobiasBillstrom for hosting us in lovely Stockholm.
Thank you @janlipavsky for hosting NATO FMs in Prague. It is important to underline our solidarity and enduring support for Ukraine in its defense against the brutal Russian aggression. Long-term NATO commitment for Ukraine’s defense is essential.
Ukraine and @ZelenskyyUA stand bravely on the frontlines against Russia's illegal invasion. Today, by signing our security agreement, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity and long-term support🇮🇸🇺🇦
Always good to speak with my friend @DmytroKuleba. Iceland is committed in supporting Ukraine for the long term. We will continue to find meaningful ways to manifest our support both bilaterally and with friends and allies. Hope to see you in Kyiv soon.
On 4 April 1949 Iceland was among 12 founding members of #NATO.
The relevance of NATO for the defence of the Euro-Atlantic area is enduring and resolute.
Celebrations took place at NATO HQ on the 75th anniversary during a meeting of foreign ministers.
#1NATO75#WEARENATO
Two years ago today Russia started its unlawful, unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Iceland continues to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the brutal attack of Russia. We stand with Ukraine - for as long as it takes.
Thank you @DmytroKuleba. Rest assured Iceland continues to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion & firmly supports Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO as Euro-Atlantic security is best served with Ukraine as a NATO Ally. #SlavaUkraïni
Women ministers of foreign affairs and defense met this morning in a truly powerful meeting. Grateful to be part of this group. Thanks to all the strong voices especially to @StefanishynaO , deputy PM of Ukraine for valuable insights into Ukraine's fight for a better future.
I am grateful for the decision of #NATO Allies to extend the term of @Jensstoltenberg as Secretary General. His steady leadership has been a source of inspiration and strength through precarious times.
Very productive meeting of #NATO Foreign Ministers in Oslo. Great opportunity to have an exchange on key issues, as we prepare for our summit in Vilnius in July. We remain steadfast in our support and solidarity with Ukraine, both political and practical.
Visiting the Memorial to Victims of Communism in Tallinn is a powerful reminder that the values of freedom and democracy must be defended. The beautiful city of Tallinn and the people of Estonia are truly an inspiration!