Relations between Iceland and China continue to strengthen

Q. How do you see the relationship between Iceland and China today?

A. Can I say first how honored I am by this opportunity to engage the Chinese people directly and highlight what I believe are some of the most important aspects of the Sino-Icelandic relationship. I believe our relations are stronger today than ever before. This partnership has blossomed on many fronts, not least through growing economic and cultural ties.

Q. Can you elaborate on this point? How have economic relations improved in recent years?

A. On the economic front, it should come as no surprise that Iceland relies heavily on international trade for its economic development. As a small but prosperous island nation, Iceland's economic development is invariably linked to open markets and free trade.

In recent years, China has emerged as one of our most important and fastest growing economic partners. Bilateral trade between our two nations has seen tremendous growth both in terms of volume and value, expanding into diverse and non-traditional sectors that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. They include the food processing, industrial cooperation, investment, information technology, finance and geothermal energy sectors - to name but a few.

I am also confident that our economic ties will be further bolstered upon the successful conclusion of ongoing free trade negotiations. Once finalised, the China-Iceland Free Trade Agreement will be the first such agreement ever signed between China and a European partner, no doubt creating the necessary framework to give our economic operators a unique opportunity to take advantage of beneficial trade conditions.

Q. Can this relationship be sustained on economic cooperation alone? What are some other important aspects of Sino-Icelandic relations?

A. The Sino-Icelandic relationship, like any true relationship, cannot be built on economic foundations alone. Our relations have witnessed significant advances in a number of fields, including in education, tourism and cross-cultural exchanges. For Icelanders of my generation, we could only dream of visiting the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, or any of the other countless cultural and natural treasures of China. The same holds true for Chinese citizens that desired to visit the geysers, lava fields or natural beauty of the world's first parliament at Thingvellir in Iceland.

There are, of course, always exceptions, like my husband for instance. He has strong roots in China where he was a student at Beijing University from1977-1981. He is a fluent speaker of Chinese and is now working on an Anthology of Chinese Literature to be published later this year in Icelandic.

This work is one of among many initiatives which are serving to bring our peoples closer together. Today, past barriers no longer constrain our citizens, and we are reaping the rewards of greater human interaction and cultural understanding.

Q. Can you give an example of one such initiative?

A. Language exchange is a poignant example. In this respect I can mention that the Beijing Foreign Studies University is preparing to give courses in Icelandic and the University of Iceland is setting up a Confucius Institute in cooperation with the University of Ningbo.

Q. How are political relations between Iceland and China? What sustains the political relationship?

A. It is true that economic and cultural cooperation cannot flourish in a political vacuum. The Government of Iceland maintains a positive relationship with the Government of China; a relationship based on diplomatic respect and honest dialogue.

Inaugurating the Embassy of Iceland in 1995 was a significant step in sustaining the relationship, creating the necessary framework for further cooperation. It also reflected our understanding of China's growing importance in the region, as well as its rising status as a significant actor on the global stage.

Q. On the diplomatic front, does Iceland recognize the one China policy of Beijing?

A. More than 36 years have passed since Iceland first established diplomatic relations with China on 8 December 1971. Iceland continues to recognize the one China policy, but urges both sides to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully through confidence building measures and diplomatic dialogue.

Q. What is Iceland's position regarding the planned referendum in Taiwan on joining the United Nations?

A. We believe that a planned referendum on joining the United Nations in the name of Taiwan would be a mistake and therefore cannot support it. While recognizing the general value of referenda as democratic instruments, such a referendum would risk increased tension and instability in the region.

Q. What does the future promise for Sino-Icelandic relations?

A. Sino-Icelandic relations have come a long way in a short time. It is a relationship that we value and hold in the highest esteem. And it is a relationship which I look forward to strengthening even further in the years to come.