Meeting with Icelandic PM

Scottish-Icelandic relations and Brexit were among the topics discussed during talks today between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Icelandic Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir.

The First Minister asked the Prime Minister about her plans for Iceland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers and described the work the Scottish Government is carrying out to develop its first Arctic policy framework.

In addition, the First Minister and Prime Minister looked ahead to the meeting of the Wellbeing Governments’ group at Panmure House – the home of economist and philosopher Adam Smith – where delegates will discuss the importance of economic growth being seen alongside the experiences and living conditions of communities.

Following the meeting the First Minister said:

“It was a pleasure to host the Prime Minister at Bute House. Our countries have a long history of friendship, with many historic and cultural ties.

“It was an opportunity to discuss the many areas where we have shared ambitions and challenges, such as our desire to grow sustainable tourism and take action to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change. I also set out the Scottish Government’s position on Brexit and our determination that Scotland continues to play a full and active role in Europe.

“I look forward to working with the Icelandic government in the future on our common goals of promoting fair and equitable societies, where economic growth is matched by improved wellbeing. We will take that forward tomorrow with discussions at the Wellbeing Governments’ group meeting.”

Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said:

"Iceland and Scotland enjoy a longstanding relationship. I am delighted that we are now collaborating on the Wellbeing Economy Government project, in which Scotland has demonstrated an important leadership. We agree on the urgency of responding to climate change and we are committed to our collaboration on sustainable tourism. Scotland has also taken important initiatives in relation to gender based violence, not least image based abuse and domestic violence, a development which we follow closely.”