Visiting NATO Chief praises Icelandic contribution to int'l security

Visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Iceland as a "highly valued member" of the alliance here on Thursday.

"Iceland makes important contributions to NATO and international security in many ways," Stoltenberg said at a joint press conference with Icelandic Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson during his visit to Reykjavik.

Stoltenberg spoke highly of the Nordic nation's contributions to NATO and international security in various ways, including supporting NATO's mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and contributing to the alliance's trust fund to help Ukraine modernize its command and control capabilities.

The alliance is faced with the most challenging global security environment in decades, said Stoltenberg, adding that NATO is able to protect all allies in the future with the size of its Response Force more than doubled.

During their meeting, Stoltenberg and Gunnlaugsson discussed security issues in Europe, including the situation in Ukraine and the relationship with Russia, as well as the alliance's increasing defense preparedness in Europe and the preparation for the Warsaw summit meeting next year.

Gunnlaugsson reaffirmed his promise made in last year's summit in Wales to increase contributions to NATO.

It is Stoltenberg's first visit to Iceland as the Secretary General. His predecessor Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited Iceland last August. Endit