Iceland has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada, according to reports in the Telegram. The agreement was a concrete marker of a growing interest between Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador region and the Nordic country.
According to the province’s Premier, Danny Williams, both activity and trade have been increasing with Iceland in recent years. The partnership was recently formalized with the signing of the MOU.
The official document was signed by the Premier and by Icelandic Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde. The signing ceremony was held at The Rooms in St. John’s and was attended by government officials from both countries along with educators, business people and representatives from various cultural associations.
“We recognize the similarities in our respective jurisdictions and we welcome the opportunity to learn from each other as we move forward,” Williams said.
The agreement is designed to build upon and further the associations currently existing between the two countries and to particularly develop those ties in the areas of industry, education and the arts.
“In Iceland, we enthusiastically welcome this new Memorandum of Understanding with Newfoundland and Labrador which will unquestionably enhance direct relations between two North Atlantic neighbours, our governments, institutions, businesses and people in general,” said Prime Minister Haarde.
“It covers a very broad range of issues and prospects in both economic and cultural developments. It will serve as a catalyst for stakeholders in different fields of activities to embark on new avenues with respect to bilateral contacts between our countries,” he said.