West Nordic Day 2022

Yesterday, the Embassy of Iceland and the Representative Offices of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, respectively, co-hosted a reception at the Embassy of Iceland in celebration of the West Nordic Day. Over 150 guests attended. 

The three host countries make up the West Nordic region and as such have formed a unique bond based on their regional specificities, shared history, and national interests. One of the ways this bond has been formalized is through the establishment of the West Nordic Council, with the underlying goal to promote West Nordic (North Atlantic) interests and culture both at home and abroad. 

This year, for the very first time, all three of the West Nordic countries are specifically represented in China, with Greenland opening a Representative´s Office in Beijing. 

This provided a unique opportunity to introduce and strengthen regional understanding of the West Nordics among Chinese partners and the Chinese public and highlighting the merits and value of the region, as well as its opportunities and prospects. 

Ms. Steinunn Þóra Árnadóttir, Chairman of the West Nordic Council, gave a speech about the Council and the region via a video-link, and all three heads of missions gave individual addresses. In his address, Mr. Thorir Ibsen, ambassador, spoke of the importance of the West Nordic region to the countries and how regional cooperation aimed at specific interests, such as within business and culture, can be enhanced by working together with Chinese friends and partners.   
At the reception the missions showcased West Nordic sceneries and every-day life through a photography exhibition and introduces guests to a host of West Nordic cuisine. Iceland showcased the fantastic qualities of Icelandic lamb meat, graciously donated by Chinese importers CAWM, as well as quality boutique Icelandic chocolate from Iceland´s  OMNOM, donated by importers and distributors Royal Bioland.