Bilateral Dialogue between Iceland and Canada

Bilateral Dialogue between Iceland and Canada took place in Reykjavík on 23 and 24 March. The Dilalogue focused on Consultations on international affairs, security, and defence matters. 

In discussions on defence and security issues, Iceland introduced its newly adopted security policy. Discussions also focused on the security environment in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, NATO’s preparedness, and increased bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the region. Participants also had a tour of Keflavík air base. Jónas G. Allansson, Director General of the Directorate of Defence, and Travis Morehen, Director General Director General for International Security Policy at the Department of National Defence. 

Consultations on international political affairs, focused on developments in international affairs, the situation in the Middle East, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Arctic affairs and cooperation between Iceland and Canada in the Arctic Council were also discussed. Challenges in international trade, reform of United Nations institutions, and Iceland’s priorities in the Human Rights Council were likewise on the agenda, and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Hermann Ingólfsson, Deputy Director General at the Directorate of International Affairs and Policy, led the consultations on behalf of Iceland, and Gallit Dobner, Director General for Arctic, Eurasian and European Affairs, led the Canadian delegation.