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Rubio Visits Iceland Amid US Push for Arctic Influence

Rubio Visits Iceland Amid US Push for Arctic Influence
Rubio heads to Iceland as US tightens grip on Arctic, two weeks after Greenland security pact · firstpost.com

Marco Rubio, the United States' top diplomat, is going to Iceland on Monday.

He plans to discuss economic and security cooperation with officials there.

His visit follows a new security agreement involving the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.

The United States plans to build two new military bases in Greenland under that agreement.

Iceland has no military and relies on NATO and a defense agreement with the United States for security.

The United States does not have a permanent base in Iceland.

After Iceland, Rubio is due to visit Greece and then Lisbon.

The visits come as countries pay more attention to security and access in the Arctic.

Key facts

Iceland visit
Rubio is scheduled to meet officials in Reykjavik on Monday.
Greenland pact
The United States signed a security pact with Denmark and Greenland in late September.
Planned bases
The United States plans to establish two new military bases on Greenland.
Iceland's security
Iceland relies on NATO and a bilateral defense pact with the United States signed in 1951.
Icelandic military
Iceland has had no military since gaining independence in 1944.
Further stops
Rubio is scheduled to continue to Athens and then make a brief stop in Lisbon.

Quotes

Iceland's foreign ministry

Iceland’s government ministry responsible for foreign affairs.

“to convey a clear message that the image was wholly inappropriate”
firstpost.com
“to discuss economic and security collaboration”
firstpost.com

Sources

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