In Stockholm, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support.
Iceland pledged to provide comprehensive and long-term economic, humanitarian and defense support to Ukraine, as well as to facilitate its future membership in the EU and NATO.
During 2024-2028, Iceland will annually allocate at least ISK 4 billion (almost USD 30 million). Support for Ukraine will continue throughout the term of the agreement. Iceland stands ready to finance, procure, and deliver defense-related supplies and equipment. In addition, it is ready to cooperate with Ukraine to enable the development of its defense industry.
A unique part of the agreement is that Iceland commits to continued support in terms of transportation of military supplies and equipment to Ukraine from NATO allies by chartered cargo planes. In addition, Iceland will pay special attention to supporting and equipping Ukrainian women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Separate sections of the agreement relate to support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula, sanctions against Russia, compensation for damages, and bringing the aggressor to justice. The agreement also provides for the strengthening of social and civilian infrastructure, including education and energy security.
Iceland commits to enhancing its diplomatic representation in Kyiv in order to foster deeper and more regular contact with government offices, parliament, civil society, and the private sector in Ukraine.
Ukraine and Iceland have signed an agreement in furtherance of the G7 Vilnius Declaration, which was adopted on July 12 last year. In total, our country has already signed 14 bilateral security agreements: with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, and Iceland.
