Prime Ministers of Finland and Iceland meet in Reykjavik – discussions focus on security, climate change and Nordic cooperation

Prime Minister Sanna Marin met with Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir in Reykjavik on Tuesday 22 November. Their discussions focused on security, climate and energy issues, Nordic and Arctic cooperation, EU affairs and bilateral relations.

The prime ministers highlighted the need to intensify cooperation between Iceland and Finland in order to promote the position and rights of women and girls and, in particular, to eradicate hate speech and violence against women. They also noted that Finland and Iceland have a great deal to learn from one another and an opportunity to lead the way in international forums.

This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Iceland, and bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent. Prime Minister Marin thanked Iceland for supporting Finland’s application for NATO membership.

“Finland and Sweden’s future NATO membership opens up new opportunities for Nordic cooperation and increases the security of the entire Alliance. Expectations are high, and we must be able to meet them,” Prime Minister Marin said.

The prime ministers also discussed Russia’s war of aggression, support for Ukraine, and the changed security situation in Europe. Prime Minister Marin reiterated that Finland will support Ukraine for as long as it is needed and is ready to participate in reconstruction.

The importance of rapid climate action, the fight against biodiversity loss and energy solutions for the green transition also featured prominently in the discussions and at the public event attended by the prime ministers. Prime Minister Marin said that as progressive countries, the Nordic countries must take on a leading role in finding comprehensive and fair solutions for the green transition at the global level.

Prime Minister Marin’s programme also included visits to companies at Grandi harbour.

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306, Saara Pokki, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 478 6363 and Päivi Paasikoski, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 40 547 6279