Iceland is exploring new ways to bolster its security, including closer bilateral partnerships and deeper cooperation with the European Union, after voters rejected reopening accession negotiations with the bloc, the country's foreign minister said Monday.
The comments came after Icelanders on Saturday voted to reject a government push to reopen EU membership talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said he wants to acquire neighbouring Greenland and has cast doubt on Washington's commitment to NATO, has sharpened the security debate in Iceland in recent months.
"We didn't vote away the geopolitical situation, it's still there and we will have to find other ways to increase our security," Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir told Reuters in parliament after meeting the foreign affairs committee.
In rejecting EU membership talks voters brushed aside government warnings that EU membership could bolster its security.
