Increased cooperation between Iceland and Maine

Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Paul LePage, Governor of Maine signed today a Memorandum of Understanding between Iceland and the State of Maine. The Memorandum paves the way for increased cooperation in the fields of business cooperation and development, transport and logistics and culture. In addition, Iceland and Maine, will seek ways to increase their cooperation when it comes to mutual interests in the Arctic and the North Atlantic including, environmental security and search and rescue cooperation.

In a meeting this morning the Minister and Governor discussed new business opportunities linked to increased shipping between Reykjavík and Portland, largest harbor in Maine. Little over a year ago Eimskip moved its North American shipping hub to Portland. The Governor is now on a two-day visit to Iceland joined by a trade delegation from Maine.

„Portland, an important center of business in Maine is also a hub for trade in seafood products. The Government of Maine is working on strengthening infrastructure connected to trade and they want to increase the cooperation with us, for example when it comes to fisheries, logistics, transport and tourism. We believe that expanding our cooperation with Maine will contribute to increase Iceland's trade  with North America“ says Minister Sveinsson.