Iceland-China relations will continue to strengthen

This year Iceland celebrates its centenary as a sovereign nation. This is an auspicious moment to reflect on the road we have taken and where we are headed.

One of our most valuable lessons relates to the importance of free trade, efficient transportation and communication with other countries for growing prosperity. For a small island state, in the middle of the North Atlantic, it is of paramount importance to maintain close relations with its neighbors. At the same time, we must develop and cultivate friendly relations and trade with new partners further abroad.

China is on the other side of the globe. Contacts between our countries were sporadic until the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971. In recent years, we have deepened our political and commercial ties with China through regular consultations and cooperation.