Joint Understanding between the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iceland

• Consultations have taken place between the U.S. and Iceland regarding the defense of Iceland . Iceland accepts the U.S.-drafted plan providing for the defense of Iceland by dynamic and mobile means.

• Arrangements have been established between the U.S. and Iceland to ensure timely and effective communications in an emergency at both working and senior levels, including military channels if needed.

• The U.S. intends to conduct annual bilateral and/or multilateral exercises on Icelandic territory and in its territorial airspace and waters upon the prior agreement of Icelandic authorities.

• The U.S. is undertaking to contract with the Icelandic Radar Agency and Iceland Telecom to operate the four Iceland Air Defense System (IADS) radar sites until August 15, 2007. Iceland and the U.S. intend to discuss bilaterally and with NATO the funding and disposition of the IADS in Iceland and how the future operation of IADS might support NATO operational and training requirements.

• Close cooperation on issues related to Icelandic defense will be facilitated through the establishment of regular security consultations between the U.S. and Iceland . Expert-level discussions on security issues, both military and non-military, will be facilitated to discuss cooperation and information exchanges in such fields as counter terrorism, law enforcement, border control and maritime security and will include exploration of increased cooperation between the U.S. and the Icelandic Coast Guard, through exercises, training activities, and personnel exchanges.

2006/911