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NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom – The Ambassador of Iceland to the United Kingdom, Sturla Sigurjónsson, visited the NATO Maritime Command headquarters in Northwood, UK on 18 May 2021.

The Ambassador was met by the Commander of NATO Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Keith Blount upon arrival and had a chance to listen in on the morning briefing, as well as meet the Command Group for round-table discussions. Iceland’s UK military defence attache Thury Björgvinsdóttir accompanied Ambassador Sigurjónsson on this visit.

Iceland has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since its foundation in 1949. While having no standing armed forces, Iceland contributes to NATO operations with financial contributions and civilian personnel.

With the changing security environment and the transformation of NATO, the contribution of Iceland to the Alliance has also undergone major changes. In its work within the Alliance, Iceland puts emphasis on NATO’s role in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, including nuclear issues; the common values of the Alliance, i.e. respect for democracy, rule of law and human rights; collective defence and the importance of solidarity, the transatlantic link and the indivisibility of security. Iceland also stresses the important role of NATO in implementing Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security; and in the strategic location of the High North.

Commander of NATO Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Keith Blount (left) with the Icelandic Ambassador to the UK, Sturla Sigurjonsson (right) at the NATO Maritime Command Headquarters in Northwood, UK.