Norwegian Government Officials to Iceland for Talks on the Country´s Economy

A delegation of Norwegian Government Officials has arrived in Iceland, ready for talks with Icelandic authorities on the country’s current financial situation. “We are pleased to be able to welcome the Norwegian delegation and look forward to discussing our situation with our closest neighbours,” says Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde.

The delegation from Norway includes representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Foreign Ministry and the Norwegian Central Bank. It is led by deputy secretary Martin Skancke in the Ministry of Finance.

Meetings will be held with the Norwegian delegation and representatives from the Icelandic Government on Thursday and Friday morning. The points on the agenda include:

• The Icelandic Government’s view on the current economic situation;
• Any potential measures that the Icelandic Government would like the Norwegian authorities to contribute to in order to remedy effects of the financial crisis;
• Preparations for a meeting of the Nordic Prime Ministers in Helsinki.

Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde comments:

“Norway is our closest neighbour and our common history and culture are strong foundations for the relationship between our two countries. I am pleased to be able to welcome the Norwegian delegation and look forward to discussing our situation with the representatives of the Norwegian authorities. We truly appreciate the delegation’s decision to take the time to meet us on short notice.”

Additional press and media service:

For more information:

Please contact: Sturla Sigurjonsson, ambassador, tel: +354-545-8400 and e-mail: [email protected]

For more facts and information from the Government, please visit www.government.is and http://www.presspodium.com/info.jsp.

Note to editors:

To ensure transparency and satisfactory media service, a press office function has been established as part of the effort outlined above. The aim will be to ensure continued service to the domestic and international press. The mail address to the projects going forward will be: [email protected] for press photos: [email protected]

Background on Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde

For more facts about Geir H. Haarde, please see: /minister/cv Background about Iceland

For more background and facts about Iceland – please visit www.government.is and www.icetourist.is/displayer.asp?cat_id=269.

For general information about Iceland, please contact the Iceland Chamber of Commerce, www.vi.is. The contact person is Finnur Oddson, Managing Director, e-mail: [email protected].

Reykjavik, 23 October 2008