NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has praised Iceland for its commitment to NATO. Rasmussen told Icelandic Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson during his visit to NATO’s headquarters on Tuesday that Iceland’s commitment makes a significant difference within the alliance. He said that by bringing experience and expertise to political discussions, Iceland makes a difference.
The Secretary General praised the North Atlantic nation for its work in training bomb-disposal teams, which he said is resulting in lives being saved in operations. He also commended Iceland’s efforts in Afghanistan in areas like disaster relief and health care, saying that for development to happen in these areas it is vital.
During the meeting, Rasmussen and Sigmundur Davíð discussed the security priorities of NATO and the ISAF mission. The Secretary General emphasised how important it is for NATO to be prepared for any further threat or crisis after the Alliance-led mission in Afghanistan ends.
He said it is crucial their forces are provided with the right equipment and carry out the exercises they are told to do, pointing out that in such efforts each and every ally has an important role to play.