Iceland's FM urges NATO to concern on changes in Arctic region

Iceland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson urged NATO to make its ability available to follow the changes in the Arctic region Wednesday in this capital city of Iceland.

At his meeting with visiting NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe Philip M. Breedlove, Sveinsson said NATO should make its ability available to follow the development of the issues in the Arctic region as the issues were increasing not only on safety and security, but also on environmental protection, search and rescue.

"It's important to have the cooperation in these aspects within NATO," said Sveinsson.

Referring to the results of last week's NATO Summit which was held in Wales with Iceland's participation, the Icelandic foreign minister said Iceland will take steps to follow the results of the summit by increasing assistance to NATO's air policing in Iceland, the number of Icelandic civil experts working for NATO and contributions to projects on women, peace and security.