Denmark is very interested in collaborating with the Icelandic Coast Guard in patrolling the Northern Atlantic Ocean according to a speech made by Björn Bjarnason, the Icelandic minister of justice at an annual meeting with the Icelandic Foreign Service on Friday.
Björn said it was straightforward for Iceland to combine forces with the Denmark, reports Morgunbladid. Bjorn said that the equipment of the Icelandic Coast Guard was currently being renewed and laws were being changed to adapt the service to new conditions.
Björn told the Morgunbladid that earlier this summer he met with Sören Gade, the defense minister of Denmark, and discussed these issues. Last week, he also discussed the issue with Hans Jesper Helsö, chief of the Danish armed forces.
“We have discussed this collaboration with them, and it is important to strengthen it. We agree on that and there is mutual interest. At a later date we will decide if or how we will formalize this collaboration.”
According to Morgunbladid Bjorn points out that the countries have for decades worked closely together guarding the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The Icelandic Coast Guard has plans, similar to the coast guards of Denmark and Norway, to renew its ships.
