Ambassador: President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson to lead the country’s delegation at the International Arctic Forum

Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov met Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to the Russian Federation Sigríður Berglind Ásgeirsdóttir. The parties discussed Iceland’s participation in the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum, as well as exchanged opinion on opportunities for further cooperation between our countries.

Ambassador of Iceland said that, as in 2017, the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, will lead the country’s delegation at the International Arctic Forum. During that previous visit to Russia he met with Vladimir Putin on 30 March 2017.

“In 2017, the leaders of the countries thoroughly discussed economic aspects of bilateral cooperation in the Arctic region. I hope that the participation of President of Iceland in the upcoming International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg will be equally potent for both parties. For our part, we will render comprehensive assistance to ensure the highest level of the Icelandic delegation’s visit,” commented Anton Kobyakov.

Anton Kobyakov noted that he welcomes the interest of Icelandic business representatives, officials and experts in the development of productive discussions with Russian partners at the Forum business programme events. Sigríður Ásgeirsdóttir said that the delegation plans to hold meetings with heads of major Icelandic companies that have offices in Russia.

According to the Ambassador of Iceland, a meeting with students of the St. Petersburg State University as part of Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson’s visit programme is of particular importance. President of Iceland will tell young Russian specialists about the opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in economics and social and cultural spheres.

“There is a constant desire for meaningful, mutually beneficial dialogue between our countries, we regularly hold bilateral consultations on trade and economic cooperation, and nurture cultural contacts. Russia and Iceland traditionally cooperate in the Arctic within the Arctic Council, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Northern Dimension, and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Our country holds an active position in international cooperation for sustainable development of the Arctic. The Forum participation will strengthen cooperation between countries,” said Sigríður Berglind Ásgeirsdóttir.

Trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Iceland are demonstrating an upward trend.

Icelandic companies are involved in the construction of fish processing facilities in the Far East, Shikotan and Kamchatka. There are also exciting projects for the development of Russia–Iceland transport cooperation. Maritime transport companies are exploring the possibility of establishing direct business ties with the northern Russian ports, primarily in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk.
With a World Cup boost, tourism is on the rise. Over 15,000 Icelanders visited Russia during the Championship, which is 4% of the country’s population.

Last year, countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. Festivities included some joint cultural events: exhibitions and special events in Russia and Iceland, the 6th Russian Film Days (13–25 September 2018) opened in Reykjavik and then successfully sailed through six cities of Iceland (Hofn, Eskifjordur, Egilsstadir, Siglufjordur, Sauðárkrókur).