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Iceland's Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir praised Türkiye's critical role in promoting world peace, pointing to the recent NATO foreign ministers' informal meeting in Antalya and the Russia-Ukraine negotiations hosted in Istanbul as evidence of Türkiye's significant diplomatic influence.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya's Belek Tourism Region, Gunnarsdottir emphasized how these initiatives demonstrate Türkiye's importance to global peace efforts.
"When we look at all these important meetings, the gatherings in Istanbul and Antalya, when all these come together, they show how important Türkiye is for world peace," Gunnarsdottir stated.
Commenting on the NATO foreign ministers' meeting and expectations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, Gunnarsdottir praised Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's hospitality and vision.
"This meeting was valuable due to your Foreign Minister's hospitality and vision. Hakan (Fidan) was a very gracious host, and this affects the course of this informal meeting," she said.
The Icelandic minister expressed optimism about the alliance's future following the Antalya discussions. "After leaving this meeting in Antalya, I conclude that the Alliance is stronger than ever," Gunnarsdottir remarked, adding that her country is increasing defense expenditures to provide greater deterrence.
Regarding the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul under Türkiye's facilitation, Gunnarsdottir emphasized the value of Türkiye's diplomatic efforts.
"Türkiye's role here is very important and valuable," she said, noting that Iceland stands with the Ukrainian people and welcomes U.S. efforts to pressure for lasting peace in Ukraine.
Gunnarsdottir criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence from the Istanbul talks, describing it as "a major mistake." She expressed hope that pressure from NATO, especially the United States, and the possibility of stricter sanctions would help push Russia to meaningful negotiations.
"We hope that pressure from NATO, especially from the U.S., and potentially harsher sanctions will help push Russia to the negotiating table. Therefore, we will see a more secure Ukraine and a safer Europe in the foreseeable future," she added.
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The Icelandic Foreign Minister highlighted Türkiye's vital position within the NATO alliance and European security architecture.
"For NATO, Türkiye is one of the most valuable partners. Not only Türkiye's enormous military power, but also Türkiye's vision for securing peace in the Middle East, what it does, is remarkable. Türkiye is very committed when it comes to NATO missions and other operations. So, in every respect, Türkiye is one of NATO's most valuable members. Of course, they all are, but Türkiye is a power," Gunnarsdottir stated.
Addressing the need for increased defense spending among NATO countries, Gunnarsdottir stressed this as the only way forward for NATO and particularly European countries.
"All of them need to invest more in defense. They need to do what is necessary to secure Europe and establish the security guarantee that not only Ukraine needs, but also Europe as a continent," she explained.
While acknowledging that Iceland does not maintain a standing army and relies on its NATO allies, Gunnarsdottir noted that her country provides international support through air policing and submarine detection in the North Atlantic.
"Sometimes we say that Iceland is like a large aircraft carrier in the middle of the Atlantic. And we support our allies in every way we can," she said.
Gunnarsdottir also mentioned Iceland's leadership role alongside Lithuania in the mine clearance coalition in Ukraine, adding, "We are investing in the Danish model in the defense industry in Ukraine. We are doing our utmost to secure Europe and alliances as a whole."
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