Foreign Minister calls for greater political cooperation between the Arctic states

Minister for Foreign Affairs Össur Skarphéðinsson gave the opening address at a three day Conference of Arctic Parliamentarians (CPAR) in Akureyri on Wednesday. In his speech the minister called for greater political cooperation and concrete partnership amongst the Arctic states, e.g. on environmental issues and in the field of search and rescue.

The Minister also touched up on the ever growing collaboration between the nations, while underlining the importance of further strengthening the Arctic family bonds, in order to respond to rapid climate changes, increased marine shipping as well as the growing exploitation of natural resources in the region.

The central theme of the conference is arctic governance and future developments in the Arctic Region.

Minister Skarphéðinsson's opening address

Further information on the Conference can be found at the CPAR website