Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said she hoped her China visit would create export opportunities as the countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, citing geothermal ties and hopes for green-technology cooperation.
In an Oct. 27 address at a reception at Iceland's embassy in China, she described trade ties as stable and growing and said Icelandic companies were looking to expand seafood exports. The Icelandic government's transcript also records her pointing to existing geothermal cooperation and expressing hope for more work on green technology.
She described the pact as a milestone in bilateral ties, noting Iceland’s distinction as the first European country to conclude a free trade agreement with China. In the address, she expressed hope for an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, called for peaceful solutions to conflicts and said China should help facilitate peace efforts, while also referring to safeguarding the multilateral system.
China’s Foreign Ministry announced the visit for Oct. 26-31, in the 55th anniversary year of diplomatic ties. Gunnarsdóttir said in her address that she expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after traveling to Qingdao.
