May 2020

Foreign affairs Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Government of Ministry for Foreign Affairs Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Layers of International cooperation

OSCE

Andorra Bosnia and Kyrgizstan Russia Turkmenistan Armenia Herzegovina Moldova San Marino Ukraine Azerbaijan Georgia Monako Serbia Uzbekistan Belarus Kazakstan Mongolia Tajikistan Vatican City

SCHENGEN EEA EFTA EU

Liechtenstein EUROZONE OECD

Australia Chile Switzerland Sweden Austria Cyprus Colombia Finland Ireland Israel Malta Japan NATO Mexico New Zealand South Korea Belgium Lithuania Canada Czech Estonia Luxembourg United Iceland Republic France Netherlands States Germany Portugal Turkey Hungary Greece Slovakia Poland Slovenia Spain

United Kingdom

Bulgaria Albania Croatia Montenegro Romania North Macedonia

Issued by: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, May 2020 Photos: Ministry for Foreign Affairs (5,15) Sigurjón Ragnar (6,9) Jouni Porsanger (8) NATO (11) Pontus hook (13)

2 May 2020

Anniversary in the midst of a pandemic

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs celebrated its 80th anniversary on 10 April, in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. These have rightfully been called unprecedented times, as the world is confronted with a global health crisis and what could possibly turn out to be the most severe economic downturn in our times. A lot has changed since the Icelandic Foreign service was established 80 years ago, but its main role remains unchanged: to protect and promote Iceland’s interests abroad.

The importance of this role has rarely been as relationship with the United States, Iceland’s visible as in the last few weeks, where the staff largest export market. Protecting Iceland’s of Iceland’s diplomatic missions around the interests following Brexit has also been a world and at the Ministry have worked tirelessly priority in the Ministry and the negotiations in assisting around 12 thousand Icelanders with the UK on the future relationship between travelling abroad as the pandemic broke out. the countries will soon be under way.

Iceland’s membership in the UN Human Rights Iceland’s NATO membership and the bilateral Council from 2018-2019 has been one of the defence agreement with the US remain key most significant roles Iceland has undertaken pillars of Icelandic foreign policy. Changes in on the international scene. Iceland’s initiatives the security landscape in Europe demand an on the Council even received global attention, increased preparedness in the region, which is not least when the Council passed a resolu- the reason for the sizeable maintenance and tion tabled by Iceland on the promotion and construction work of defence-related proper- protection of human rights in the Philippines ties within the security area at Keflavík Airport. and when Iceland lead a Joint Statement, on Iceland assumed its two-year presidency of behalf of almost forty states, on development the Arctic Council in May 2019. The presidency in Saudi Arabia. To a certain extent, our leading provides an opportunity to highlight the impor- role on the Council was a touchstone for how tance of Sustainable Development. Iceland has the (relatively small) Icelandic Foreign Service a great deal of interest in the sustainable and would cope with such an extensive and chal- peaceful development in the region. The presi- lenging task. However, it should be safe to say dency is an opportunity to highlight Iceland as that the Foreign Service passed the test with an active contributor to global affairs. flying colours. International development cooperation has Last year, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, become an increasingly important part of the presented for the first time a special report to Ministry’s work. A year ago, Althingi passed Althingi on the status and implementation of a new policy for international development the European Economic Area Agreement. The cooperation. The policy brings Icelandic exper- EEA agreement has transformed the Icelandic tise to the forefront, and how it can contribute business environment in the 25 years since its to infrastructure development and economic ratification, and the presentation of a special growth in developing states. report underlines its importance. The Foreign Ministry has at the same time placed an Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, increased emphasis on fostering an even closer minister for foreign affairs and international development cooperation

3 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

COVID-19: A new focus for the Foreign Service

HEILSA OG VELLÍÐAN When the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe in early 2020 the work of the Foreign Service underwent a drastic transformation. The flexibility of the Foreign Service, which has been consciously fostered and strengthened in recent years, proved invaluable when about half of the staff took part in assisting around twelve thousand Icelanders abroad.

As everywhere else in society, daily tasks its utmost to facilitate the import of these changed overnight and extensive plans for products. The Embassy of Iceland in China visits, events and conferences had to be has worked hard to facilitate and expedite revised immediately. The Foreign Service, along the purchase and transportation of products with Promote Iceland, has done its utmost to from China and the Government has been in assist Icelandic export companies to find their good cooperation with Japanese authorities in footing in a drastically changed environment the response to the pandemic. In a concerted and continues to chart any barriers and to effort by the whole administration, Iceland resolve them to the furthest extent possible. was able to join the JPA on the joint procure- ment of medical products in Brussels in record Negotiations in record speed time and to avert a ban by the European Union on the export of certain protective gear for Globally, there has been fierce competition for medical professionals. protective gear, respirators and other necessary medical supplies. The Foreign Service has done

Consular Services during the pandemic: location of Icelanders and repatriation flights

4 May 2020

CoroCCnCoCoaororvororoinornnuanaasvavv iviprriiuraurusunss sdpp peapaamnanndndidcede em-emm mciicociic nc-- -s c-c u coocolnoannsnrssu ussululealalrararv r sris cseeserervsrvrv iivMcciiceecaesesrs scMM hMMaa a1rar4crcrch hcth ho 11 4141A4 4 tpt o torto io AlA Ap2App9rprir irl2li il 20l2 29299 09 22 20020202200200 Coronavirus pandemic MFA NEWS Consular Services 14 March to 29 April 2020 Medical equipment from China 3,21343,2,21144 5,75505,7,75500 74 7744 7 April 2020 Icelandic health author- 3,21343,2,21144 5,75505,7,75500 74 7744 ities contracted Icelandair to trans- generagle gcneoennresarula lcla ocrn osnuslualra r peoplep ecpoenpotlpeal cect oecndotn adtciartcetcdet dldy i.dr eircetclytl.y . facilitafatficoainclii tllaietttaitoteinors nl e sltetntettre str os esnetn tto t o genergaelg nceoenrneasrlau cll aocrno snuslualra r peoplpee pcoeoponlpteal ec otcenodtn adtcaitrceetdec tddl yidr. iercetcltyl.y . facilitfaatfciaoiclnitl ialtetaittotienor nsle lsteettentrets rt sso es netn to t o servicesses rhevraivcniedcsel eshd ah noadvnlederld e do voevre r Over twOvoOe vtreh trow utwos aothn todhu obsuyas npadhn odbn ybe yp hpohnoen e certifyc techreatritft yitfr ytah vtahetal ettr tasr vaweveleerlrees r sw wereer e port protective gear and medical servicseesre hvriavcniecdse lshe adhn aodnvldelrde do voevre r Over tOwOvoev rte hrtow tuwos otah ntohduo bsuays napdnh dob nyb eyp hpohnoen e certifyc etchretaritfyi ft yrtah tvaheta lter rtarsva wevleelrreesr sw wereer e 3,000 p3,h30o,00n00e 0p c hpaohllnose.n ec aclalsll.s. and otahnaednrs do r toehtcehereisvr isrne rgce etciaevriigvneignt geta dtra gregteetde d free tof rtferreae veteo tl ottr ota rvIacevele ltalo nt odIc Ieaclneadlna dn da nadn d equipment from China. The order was 3,000 3p,3h0,0o0n 0ep hcpaohlnolsen. ec aclalsll.s. and oathnaednr dso torhetehcersirv sri enrcegec tieaviirvngigne tgtea tdrag regteetde d free tofr fetrrea evto et olt tr toar vaIecvle ltlao tn oIdc Ie calenalndadn da nadn d messamgemesse sbsaysg aeegmse sab iybl yeo mre mtaeiaxl tiol ro tre txetx t ease theaeesiare sj eoth utehrinere ijryo .juorunrenye.y. messamgmeses sbasyga egsem sba ybil y eo merm ateialx iolt ro rte txetx t ease tehaeesaiers ejtoh tuehrienri erjo yjuo. runrenye.y. placed a while ago when the seri- 2,73262,7,73366 messamgeme.sessasgaeg.e. 2,73262,7,73366 messamgmes.essasgaeg.e. ousness of the virus was becoming emailse rmecmaeialisvil ersde rceecievievded emailse mreemaciealsiivl sree drceecievievded evident. The embassy of Iceland in by the bcyob nyth steuh lecao rc nossenursvluaiclra esrse s.revrivciecse.s. by theb cybo ytnh tsehu ecla ocrno ssneusrluvalirac esr ess.revrivciecse.s. China, in cooperation with authori- ties in Iceland prepared the procure- 21122212111111 ment of this equipment and helped 588558888 312 strandsetsdrta rpnaadnsedsdea dnpg apesarssas niangn e5g6res r sin i n5 65 6 588558888 312333131121222 strandsetsrdtar npadnaesdsdea dpn apgseasrsass naing eg5re6sr sin i n5 65 6 to secure the necessary permits for individinuidanildvsii vhdieudlauplaesl dsh ethhleprloepdue gdth t rhoruoguhg h individinuidanildvsii vadirudraiuvlasel dsa raorrinvr ievde do no n countrcioecsuo.n u5tn7rt iseritsei.l sl5 .s 75t 7sra tsinltlid lsle tsdrta rnadnedde d individinuidnaidlvsiiv dhiudeaulplasel shd e htlehplrepodeu dgth htrh oruoguhg h individinuidnaidlvsiiv daiudrrauilvasel sad ra rorinrvie vde do no n countcrioceuosnu. t5nr7ti resiset.is l5l. 75s t7sr tsaitlnli ldsl etsrdtar nadnedde d exports. The embassy of China in FaceboFoaFckae cMbeeobsooskoe kMn gMeeserss.esnegnegre.r. repatrriaertpeioaptnar tifarliitagiothintos nf.l ifglihgthst.s. in 23 cionui n2n 32t r3ci oecsuo.nutnrtierise.s. FacebFoaFocakec Mbeobeosksoe kMn Megsesrse.snegnegre.r. repatrriearpetiapotanrti rafiltaiigtohinot nsf.l figlihgthst.s. in 23 cinoi nu2 n32t 3cr ioceuosnu. tnrtireise.s. Reykjavik was also of great assistance in this project. Nordic and international cooperation When the coronavirus started to spread outside of Asia, the Tasks carried out international community fumbled in its initial response, not least around the clock within the Schengen area where borders closed suddenly and 26 March 2020 The Consular Affairs without warning. Soon, most states concluded that safeguarding Unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs safeguards the interest and safety international cooperation and institutions such as the World of Icelandic citizens abroad and is Health Organization would be the only way forward. of the main pillars of the Icelandic Foreign Service. The Unit carries out Nordic cooperation has proven its value over the past few tasks around the clock in Reykjavík, weeks, epitomized by the close collaboration between the and Diplomatic Missions in three Nordic consular services. The Nordic countries have stressed continents. the importance of protecting and promoting human rights and democracy, which have come under threat during the pandemic, Icelandic family returns and supporting low-income countries through international home from Wuhan institutions and humanitarian organizations. Iceland has already 21 February 2020 The Consular announced a comprehensive package of 276 million Icelandic Affairs Unit of the Ministry for Foreign króna (ISK) as a first response to the fight against COVID-19 in Affairs and Diplomatic Missions in developing countries, a contribution that will be channelled Beijing and Paris, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Chief through international organizations, humanitarian organizations Epidemiologist, and the Department and specific projects in bilateral partner countries. of Civil Protection and Emergency Management worked in a concerted action to bring an Icelandic family home from Wuhan today. Wide- ranging travel restrictions from Wuhan were in place but through the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), where Iceland is a Participating State, it was possible to arrange seats for the family in a repatriation flight to Paris, organized for European Citizens in the area.

14. mars 2020. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation and his staff coordinate the tasks ahead.

5 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Iceland and external trade

GÓÐ ATVINNA OG HAGVÖXTUR Free trade is the foundation of prosperity in Iceland and one of the main pillars of Iceland’s foreign policy. The EEA Agreement, along with a network of trade agreements, opens up markets to Icelandic companies. The collaboration with the business sector has increased significantly, not least through the reform of the Promote Iceland agency. Preparations for the future negotiations with the UK following Brexit remain a priority.

Iceland’s free trade network expands Fifty years have passed since Iceland became The first trade dialogue of the foreign minis- a member of European Free Trade Association ters of Iceland and the United States of (EFTA). The EFTA free trade area now covers 40 America was held in Reykjavík in June 2019. In states and territories outside of the EU. Iceland September the Foreign Minister of Iceland and has ratified a free trade agreement with Indo- the Vice-President of the United States hosted nesia but the entry into force is pending. Work a business round table discussion in Reykjavik. is under way to establish a date for the signing In November 2019 the Foreign Minister met with of a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, along (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). with a large business delegation of representa- tives from Icelandic companies. Free trade negotiations with India, Malaysia and Vietnam are ongoing. In the last quarter of 2019, the Faroese authorities withdrew their termination of the Hoyvík Agreement on free trade between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Trade agreements Trade agreements

74 115 10 44 Free trade agreements Air travel agreements Iceland has made investment Double taxation treaties with with 74 countries and and memoranda of agreements with 10 countries as 44 countries have been economies, including understanding granting well as other agreements that implemented, including the three awaiting ratification. flight authorisations. include investment provisions. 2018 agreement with Japan.

From the panel discussion on Icelandic-American trade in September 2019. Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson and Mike Pence, Vice-President of the United States led the delegations.

6 May 2020

Comprehensive discussions MFA NEWS with the United Kingdom Signing of Agreement on the The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union UK’s withdrawal from the on 31 January will considerably impact the relations of Iceland European Economic Area and the UK as they been based on the EEA Agreement for the past 28 January 2020 The foreign ministers 25 years. Until the end of the transition period on 31 December of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein 2020, the UK is fully bound by EU law, including international signed an agreement with the United agreements such as the EEA Agreement. Discussions on the future Kingdom on its withdrawal from the European Economic Area. The agree- relationship with the UK will commence in June of this year. The ment ensures i.a. that Icelanders who public policy of British authorities is to finalise the discussions either reside in the UK or take up with the EU and other close partner countries such as the EFTA residency before the end of the tran- states within the EEA before the end of the transition period. sition period can remain in the UK and that their rights will remain in all The discussions on the future relationship with Britain are divided The discussions on the future relationship major aspects intact. This also applies into three main fields: to British citizens living in Iceland. with Britain are divided into three main fields

The Foreign minister and the Vice-President of the Free Trade Agreements Agreements outside the scope Withdrawal agreement United States led the panel negotiations of Free Trade negotiations and related matters discussions on business 12-14 working groups 4-8 working groups 2-3 working groups

4 September 2019 Foreign Minister A total of 30 specialists from ministries and institutions are directly Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson and Mike inolved in the negotiations on the future relationship with Britain Promote Iceland and increased Pence, Vice-President of the United States, led panel discussions on collaboration with the business sector business, science and cultural rela- The Promote Iceland agency has been strengthened and restruc- tions between Iceland and the United States with representatives from the tured through legal amendments, which passed in 2018. The business sectors of both countries at aim was to provide the agency with the means to better serve a meeting in Hofdi House. The Foreign companies in the fields of export, investment and travel services. Minister emphasised the importance The work of twelve dedicated business representatives working of the visit of the Vice-President of in eleven of Iceland’s diplomatic missions abroad has been inte- the United States as a contribution to increased cooperation between grated into Promote Iceland. Iceland and the United States.

The Cooperation fund of the business The foreign ministers of sector and the authorities on the UN Iceland and Russia discussed Sustainable Development Goals the Arctic region and trade A new partnership fund of the business sector and Icelandic 26 November 2019 Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson and authorities for the advancement of the UN Global Goals is up Sergei Lavrov, foreign minister of and running. The fund is intended to support collaborative Russia, discussed Arctic matters as ventures of companies in developing countries with a special well as bilateral relations and trade emphasis on the projects which can accelerate progress on at their meeting in Moscow today. UN Global Goal no. 8 on decent employment and sustainable Security affairs in Europe and inter- national topics were also discussed. economic growth. The first Icelandic companies working with the Matters regarding the Arctic region authorities via the fund are Marel and Thoregs. were in the spotlight at the meeting.

7 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Together towards a Sustainable Arctic

LÍF Í VATNI The Chairmanship of the Arctic Council passed to Iceland for a two-year period at the ministerial meeting of the Council in May 2019. The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation and coordination among the Arctic States, indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues.

The theme of Iceland’s Chairmanship program is “Together towards a Sustainable Arctic”, reflecting Iceland’s commitment to the prin- ciple of sustainable development and refer- ring to the necessity of close cooperation between the states and peoples of the region and beyond. During its Chairmanship, Iceland has focused on three priority areas – the Arctic marine environment, climate and green energy solutions, and peoples and communities of the Arctic – as well as further strengthening the work of the Council. Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson assumes The meeting schedule of the Arctic Council the Chairmanship from Timo Soini, then Foreign Minister has inevitably been affected by the COVID-19 of Finland, at the Arctic Council ministerial meeting in Rovaniemi in Finland in May 2019. pandemic, but the Icelandic Chairmanship and the Council’s six Working Groups are striving to carry on its important work. Arctic Council member states Coinciding with Iceland’s Chairmanship of the Canada, Finland, Iceland, Kingdom of Denmark, Norway, United States, Arctic Council, the Minister for Foreign Affairs RussianAðildarríki Federation Norðurskautsráðsins and Sweden and International Development Cooperation has launched a revision of Iceland’s Arctic Policy and aims to present a draft for a new parliamentary resolution in the next legislative session. Ísland Danmörk (Færeyjar og Grænland) Kanada

Bandaríkin Rússland Noregur

Svíþjóð Finnland

8 May 2020

Survey on Icelanders’ opinion on Nordic co-operation MFA NEWS How positive or negative are you towards Iceland Viðhorftaking Íslendinga an active til þesspart að in Ísland Nordic taki co-operation? virkan þátt í norrænu samstarfi?* Bjorn Bjarnason, author of a new report on Nordic international- and Very positive Rather positive Neutral security co-operation 541Mjög / jákvæðir 63.0% (63,05%) Fremur jákvæðir (28,32%) Í meðallagi (8,39%) 243Fremur / 28.4%neikvæðir (0,12%) Mjög neikvæðir72 / (0,12%) 8.4% 30 October 2019 Foreign minister *Heildarfjöldi svarenda: 925, 66 svöruðu ekki. Heimild: Maskína (mars, 2020). Rather negative Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson is in 1 / 0.1% Total number of responses: 925 Stockholm where he takes part in Did not answer: 66 Very negative Source: Maskína, March 2020 1 / 0.1% the Nordic Council Assembly 29-31 October. There was consensus on appointing former minister Bjorn An eventful year in Nordic collaboration Bjarnason with writing a new report with suggestions as to how to move Iceland presided over the cooperation of Nordic foreign minis- Nordic collaboration forward. ters (N5) and the foreign ministers of the Nordic countries and the Baltic countries (NB8) in 2019. In the platform of N5 the Iceland assumes the ministers met three times during the presidency year, i.a. at a Chairmanship of the summer meeting in Borgarnes in September and twice in the Arctic Council platform of NB8. Iceland also presided over the Nordic Council of 7 May 2019 Iceland assumed the Ministers and on the collaboration of Nordic prime ministers. In Chairmanship of the Arctic Council at total around 30 Nordic ministerial meetings were held, including a meeting of Council foreign minis- the meetings of ministers in particular fields in 2019. The Minister ters which took place earlier today in for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation Rovaniemi in Finland, where Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson attended 13 additional bilateral meetings with Nordic foreign took over from his Finnish colleague ministers. Timo Soini. At the meeting the work of the Arctic Council in the last two years was reviewed and the foundation laid for the work ahead in the next two years during Iceland’s Chairmanship.

The Arctic Council and the Arctic Economic Council meet for the first time 9 October 2019 The Arctic Council and the Arctic Economic Council are now convening for the first time. The meeting is a part of the strategy of From the Borgarnes meeting of the Nordic and increasing collaboration between the Baltic foreign ministers in September 2019. two Councils and attended by repre- sentatives from the member states of One of the major issues resolved at the Nordic foreign minister the Arctic Council, the Council work- meeting was that Bjorn Bjarnason, appointed by the foreign ing groups, permanent delegates minister, was tasked with writing a report on the increased of native organizations in the Arctic and representatives of the business collaboration of the Nordic countries in foreign affairs and community. security matters, inter alia by taking into consideration climate change, cyber threats and the importance of supporting inter- national cooperation and international law. This work is compa- rable to the Stoltenberg-report of 2009. The report is expected to be ready by mid-year 2020.

9 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Iceland and national security

FRIÐUR OG RÉTTLÆTI Respect for international law and active international cooperation is essential for a small state without any military. Iceland ensures its security and defences through its alliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the bilateral Defence Agreement of 1951 between Iceland and the United States, as well as with an active participation in the work of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and by cooperating with neighbouring states in the field of security. The National Security Policy guides the work when it comes to active foreign policy, defence and public safety.

Collaboration with NATO Iceland’s participation Within NATO, Iceland emphasizes political in defence excersises unity and solidarity when it comes to the Iceland plans to continue its participation in enhancement of security, stability and collec- the planning process and implementation of tive defence, at the same time seeking ways large-scale defence exercises in and around to reduce tensions and promote mutual trust. Iceland. Due to changes in the security envi- Security and readiness in the North Atlantic, ronment in the Arctic region, defence exercises arms control and disarmament, along with the have increased in scale. Due to the COVID-19 active participation of women in the field of pandemic the bilateral defence exercise, security and defence, continue to be a priority. Northern Viking, had to be cancelled last April In cooperation with NATO Iceland ensures but the NATO antisubmarine exercise, Dynamic the operation of the Iceland Air Defence and Mongoose, will take place at the beginning of Surveillance system (IADS), NATO Control and June as scheduled. The aim is to conduct both Reporting Centre and other defence infrastruc- Northern Viking and Dynamic Mongoose every ture in Iceland. other year in the future.

Defence projects in Iceland Arms control and disarmament In line with security developments in Europe There is an increased global focus on disar- the temporary presence of US and allied forces mament and arms control, in which Iceland in Iceland has increased in the past few years, actively participates. There is great uncer- mainly due to antisubmarine surveillance, air tainty and growing concern for the future of policing missions and defence exercises. In arms control and disarmament agreements. line with the defence commitments of Iceland With rapid technological developments, new and the National Security Policy of Iceland, threats and challenges have emerged, as well necessary upgrades and maintenance has been as challenges arising from the COVID-19 health undertaken at Keflavik Air Base, along with new pandemic. construction to support the increased presence of allied forces. The work is financed by Iceland, the United States and NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency.

10 May 2020

MFA NEWS

Escalation in the situation in Iraq and Iran among topics at the meeting of Nordic ministers of defence 17 January 2020 The Ministers of Defence meet twice a year in the context of NORDEFCO, which is a key cooperation forum in the Nordic region for security and defence. Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, visited Iceland in June 2019. The escalation of the situation in Here he is pictured with Anna Jóhannsdóttir, then permanent secretary of Iceland at NATO and US Navy Air Patrol Squadron Commander Hamish Iraq and Iran was among the topics Kirkland. The submarine surveillance aircraft is of the type P-8A Poseidon. discussed and there was consensus on prioritising the security of the international forces in Iraq. The Iceland Crisis Response Unit international forces have inter alia held training courses in Iraq, which Last year, 13 civilian experts were deployed by the Iceland Crisis have proven to be an important part Response Unit. Six women and seven men, inter alia in Georgia, of combating the so-called Islamic Afghanistan and in NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in state terrorist organisation. Estonia and Lithuania. This year a civilian expert will also be deployed at NATO’s eFP mission in Latvia. In addition to civilian The prime minister and experts in the field, Iceland also provides experts to NATO in the foreign minister Belgium, Britain, and the United States. Besides contributing attend the meeting of experts to NATO, the experts through their work raise the profile NATO leaders in London of Icelandic interests in NATO’s planning processes and oper- 3 December 2019 Prime Minister, ations. Last year Iceland´s participation in NATO’s operation in Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and Foreign Minister, Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Afghanistan came to an end after 17 years of continued presence attend a NATO Leaders meeting in of personnel in Afghanistan. London commencing today. The Leaders Meeting is held to commem- orate the 70 years anniversary of Nordic defence cooperation NATO. The main topics of the meet- The Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) has grown and ing are the changes in the security intensified over the past few years and so has Iceland’s bilateral environment, anti-terror operations, burden-sharing, and the relationship cooperation in security and defence with the UK, Germany and with Russia. the Baltic countries. In the Nordic context the work takes place in NORDEFCO where Iceland participates on the civilian side of the work. The Secretary General Contributions to NATO 2019 of NATO visits Iceland Contributions to NATO 2019 11 June 2019 Security in the North Atlantic, future projects of Iceland in Kosovo, Nordic Defence Cooperation 140 and hybrid threats were among topics Operation of the Icelandic air defence Operation and oversight of 140 NATO discussed at the meeting of the system, which is part of the integrated defence structures in Iceland. Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO air defence system. with Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and Foreign Minister, 13 4,000 Gudlaugur Thór Tórdarson, during the civil experts work around the world on a Host country support for NATO country Secretary General’s visit to Iceland. variety of NATO projects ranging from gender personnel. Up to four thousand people equality to training in bomb disposal. stayed at Keflavík Airport in 2019.

11 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Iceland takes a decisive role on the United Nations Human Rights Council

FRIÐUR OG RÉTTLÆTI Iceland’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva proved to be one of the most important roles Iceland has taken on within the international fora. This was the first time Iceland took a seat on the Human Rights Council. We are pleased that there was an overall satisfaction with Iceland’s performance during its tenure which showcased the importance of small states’ voices within the Council and also, that smaller countries can also have a decisive impact. In one of many letters of appreciation received by the foreign minister it is stated that through its efforts “Iceland had managed in an impressive manner to secure support from countries all over the world”.

Iceland’s initiatives Gender equality as receive global publicity a key priority Iceland was elected to the Human Rights Gender equality and women’s rights were a key Council in July 2018 following the resignation priority during Iceland’s term. The participation of the United States from the Council. During of the Prime Minister of Iceland in the Council’s its tenure, Iceland’s priorities were on gender June session 2019 underlined the Government’s equality and women’s rights, the rights of importance on these issues. Iceland’s emphasis LGBTI+ people, children’s rights, a more effi- on gender equality at the Council culminated in cient and effective Human Rights Council and a first-time resolution on Equal Pay presented the important link between human rights and by Iceland. environmental issues, including climate change.

From the onset there was a clear determination Febrúar 2020 to make Iceland’s voice heard clearly within the Ísland í mannréttindaráði Sameinuðu þjóðanna Ísland í Undirbúningur að mannréttindaráði 7. Febrúar 2020 þátttöku í störfum Texti ályktunardraga sem Ísland lagði fram var hófsamur og fól í sér að mann- Sameinuðu þjóðannaréttindaráðið myndi lýsa formlega yfir áhyggjum af ástandinu á Filippseyjum. mannréttindaráðsins Viðurkennt var að bregðast yrði yfir fíkniefnavandanum en stjórnvöld í landinu Council. In fact, Iceland garnered widespread hvött til að endurskoða aðferðir sínar, stöðva aftökur án dóms og laga og draga Stjórnarráð Íslands þá til ábyrgðar sem hafa staðið fyrir slíku. Enn fremur var farið fram á að stjórn- Auk fastafulltrúa störfuðu við fastanefndina tveir útsendir sérfræð- Utanríkisráðuneytið völd á Filippseyjum sýndu skrifstofu mannréttindafulltrúa Sameinuðu þjóðanna ingar og útsendur sendiráðsfulltrúi utanríkisþjónustunnar ásamt og stofnunum mannréttindaráðsins fullan samstarfsvilja. Loks var mannrétt staðarráðnum sérfræðingi og ritara. Verkefni hennar höfðu lengi indafulltrúa Sameinuðu þjóðanna falið að standa fyrir skýrslugerð um stöðu fyrst og fremst tengst viðskiptamálum en eftir að krafa jókst um mannréttindamála á Filippseyjum og leggja fyrir mannréttindaráðið að ári liðnu, - attention when it led a joint statement on þátttöku í störfum mannréttindaráðsins og samstarf við aðrar þ.e. í júnílotu ráðsins 2020. alþjóðastofnanir í Genf, einkum á sviði mannúðarmála, varð ljóst að Í hefðbundnum samningaviðræðum um ályktunardrögin sem fram fóru í fyrstu bregðast þurfti við sérstaklega. Fastanefndin hafði því fyrir nokkrum tveimur vikum sumarlotu mannréttindaráðsins komu fram ábendingar um misserum verið styrkt með ráðningu staðarráðins sérfræðings sem úrbætur á textanum og voru margar þeirra teknar til greina og gerðar viðeigandi sinnti þeim málum. breytingar. Fulltrúar Filippseyja komu til fyrsta samningafundar og mótmæltu þar málatilbúnaðinum en gengu síðan á dyr. Þeir léðu aldrei máls á því að behalf of 36 countries calling on the Kingdom Einnig kom eftir atvikum hófsöm ályktun yrði samþykkt með þeirra samþykki, eins og þó eru dæmi um á fulltrúi að heiman til vettvangi mannréttindaráðsins þar sem ráðið vinnur með viðkomandi ríki að því að veita fastanefndinni Meetingað gera Title:úrbætur. HRC23 2019 29.03.2019 LAST TEMPLATE tímabundinn liðstyrk í Þegar atkvæði voru greidd um ályktunina 11. júlí 2019 fóru leikar þannig að átján fundalotum mannréttind- aðildarríkiL.20 - Promotion ráðsins and protectionsamþykktu of humanályktunina, rights in fimmtán t sátu hjá og fjórtán voru á móti. aráðsins og efla tengslin Date 2019-07-11 Time 12:58 milli starfseminnar í Genf ABST he Philippines of Saudi Arabia to improve the situation of AFGHANISTAN og ráðuneytinu sjálfu. YES NO CZECH REPUBLIC ANGOLA YES ABST DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF PERU YES Við það að taka sæti CONGO ARGENTINA NO YES PHILIPPINES í mannréttindaráðinu YES DENMARK AUSTRALIA NO jókst umfang verkefna Fulltrúar Íslands í fyrstu fundalotu mannréttindaráðsins sem Ísland sótti NO QATAR - YES EGYPT tengdum mannrétt sem kjörinn meðlimur. Frá vinstri: Nína Björk Jónsdóttir varafastafulltrúi, AUSTRIA ABST NO RWANDA Edda Björk Ragnarsdóttir sérfræðingur, Þorvarður Atli Þórsson YES ERITREA indaráðinu umtalsvert. BAHAMAS - sendiráðunautur, Davíð Logi Sigurðsson, deildarstjóri mannréttinda í NO human rights in the country. The statement YES SAUDI ARABIA Samþykkt var í ríkis utanríkisráðinu, og Harald Aspelund, fastafulltrúi Íslands í Genf. NO FIJI - BAHRAIN ABST NO SENEGAL stjórn í ágúst 2018 að ABST HUNGARY BANGLADESH YES veita 95 milljónum króna YES SLOVAKIA ABST ICELAND aukalega til verkefnisins en stærsti kostnaðarþátturinn tengdist styrkingu fasta BRAZIL NO NO SOMALIA YES INDIA nefndar í Genf. Brugðið var á það ráð strax í kjölfar kosningarinnar 13. júlí að BULGARIA ABST NO SOUTH AFRICA ABST IRAQ styrkja fastanefndina með því að færa mannréttindasérfræðing fastanefndar BURKINA FASO YES marked a turning point as it was the first time YES SPAIN Íslands í New York til starfa í Genf. NO ITALY CAMEROON ABST - ABST TOGO Þessu til viðbótar var ákveðið að gera samkomulag við Alþjóðamálastofnun ABST JAPAN CHILE ABST YES TUNISIA Háskóla Íslands um að hún veldi starfsnema úr hópi áhugasamra háskólanema NO MEXICO CHINA YES sem yrðu fastanefndinni til aðstoðar á meðan á fundalotum mannréttinda ABST UKRAINE YES NEPAL UNITED KINGDOM OF CROATIA YES ráðsins stæði. Var gengið út frá því að viðkomandi myndu tryggja að ávallt - ABST GREAT BRITAIN AND NO NIGERIA NORTHERN IRELAND væri einhver í sæti Íslands í fundarsal mannréttindaráðsins auk þess að sinna CUBA YES ABST URUGUAY that Saudi Arabia was subject to such collec- PAKISTAN ýmsum einfaldari verkefnum. Vonast var til að þetta samstarf gæti einnig borið YES efnislegan ávöxt, s.s. með því að stuðla að fræðilegum ritgerðarsmíðum og þekk 18 ABST ingarsköpun á vettvangi háskólans. Þá var ljóst að efla þyrfti mannréttindastarf Niðurstöður atkvæðagreiðslu í mannréttindaráðinu um15 ályktun NO Íslands og fleiri ríkja um stöðu mannréttinda í Filippseyjum. 14

22 11/07/2019 12:58:11 tive criticism in the Council. Iceland also tabled 23. Um framgöngu fulltrúa Filippseyja, sjá: opinion.inquirer.net/122418/phs-disinformation-campaign-in-geneva 1/1

a resolution on the promotion and protection 29 of human rights in the Philippines, expressing concern over allegations of human rights viola- A special report was published on Iceland’s participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council in February of tions in the Philippines, which was passed by this year. With this report, the intention was to underline the Council. that our efforts on the Human Rights Council were made with full transparency and in close cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Althingi and the Government´s Steering Group on Human Rights.

12 May 2020

The 75th anniversary of the United Nations MFA NEWS The United Nations celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. This Iceland and UNESCO sign a milestone is an opportunity to look back to the past as well as framework agreement on to the future, to remember the successful efforts in the fields development cooperation of human rights, peace and security, sustainable development, 26 April 2019 Iceland and the United and to open up discussions on ways of meeting new challenges. Nations Educational, Scientific and The commemoration of the 75th anniversary was agreed through Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have intergovernmental consultations led by Iceland and Singapore. signed a cooperation agreement in the field of development coopera- Awareness among the general public of the Sustainable Development Goals Awareness among the general public tion. The framework agreement is the of the Sustainable Development Goals first of its kind between Iceland and Yes, I know 100 Yes, I have heard 100 No, I have neither heard UNESCO for development coopera- 100% of the SDGs about the SDGs of or know about the SDGs tion. On the one hand, Iceland con- 80 80 80% tributes to a UNESCO project aiming 3 % 6 % 1 % 3 .

60 2 . 60

6 % at strengthening the capacity of poor

60% 5 5 % 5 0 . 5 . 2 % 9 % 2 . 4 4 4 countries to implement reform in the 4 .

3 % 40 40 3 5 .

40% 3 6 % 7 . % 2

1 % field of education. On the other hand, 20% 20 20 2 0 . 1 5 . 1 2 . %

1 0 . 7 to the support aims at guarding the 0 0 0 freedom of expression and the safety '17 '18 '19 '20 '17 '18 '19 '20 '17 '18 '19 '20 of journalists in developing countries.

The United Nations remain central in Iceland’s foreign policy. The Foreign minister Last year, Icelandic authorities presented its first Voluntary visits Sierra Leone National Review (VNR) to the United Nations on the status of 9 October 2019 Foreign minister Iceland’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson is in Development. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for Sierra Leone for a working visit where the implementation of goals related to international affairs and he is studying the development coop- development cooperation. eration projects of Iceland in the country in the fields of fishing and equality issues as well as meeting with leaders to discuss the develop- ment cooperation of the countries. The minister commenced his journey by visiting a primary school where Iceland has supported a health-care project for menstruating teenage girls, aimed at reducing girl drop-out rates.

Adoption of Iceland’s The Icelandic delegation at the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations. resolution on the human rights situation in the Philippines Negotiations with FAO and IFAD 11 July 2019 Today the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a res- The Ministry for Foreign Affairs signed a formal agreement last olution presented by Iceland in the year with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Council on the status of human rights Nations (FAO) for supporting the campaign against illegal fishing in the Philippines. 18 states sup- ported the resolution, 15 abstained and on technical assistance on oceanic matters. Formal coop- and 14 opposed the resolution. This is eration was also initiated with the International Fund for Agri- the first time Iceland takes the initia- cultural Development (IFAD) for utilizing Icelandic know-how, in tive in this manner in the Council and regards to the blue economy. Both institutions have their head- the first time a resolution is adopted quarters in Rome. by the Council on the status of human rights in the Philippines.

13 Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

New Policy for International Development Cooperation

SAMVINNA UM MARKMIÐIN Iceland adopted a new policy for International Development Cooperation in May 2019. The overarching goal of the policy is to reduce poverty, hunger, and to promote well-being on the basis of human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The policy supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Malawi and Uganda are bilateral partner coun- armed conflict, climate change and poverty. In tries. In both countries, Iceland works in part- the field of humanitarian assistance and emer- nership with specific district authorities as well gency response, support and collaboration as key UN organizations. Regional cooperation are channelled through key UN organizations. has a wider scope and includes projects in Furthermore, Iceland has an active partnership seven countries in East Africa focusing on the with the International Committee of the Red use of geothermal energy, along with two coun- Cross (ICRC) and makes continued contribu- tries in West-Africa, Sierra Leone and Libera, tions to projects implemented by civil society where projects focus on fisheries and gender organizations in the field of development coop- equality. Regional cooperation is implemented eration and humanitarian assistance. in partnership with local actors and interna- tional organisations. The Minister for Foreign GRÓ – Capacity Development Affairs and International Development Cooper- In January, the former UN University training ation visited Sierra Leone last year. programmes on Gender Equality, Geothermal, Iceland’s main partner organizations are: The Land Restoration and Fisheries were World Bank, the United Nations Children’s Fund joined together under a new centre, GRÓ – (UNICEF), the United Nations Entity for Gender International Centre for Capacity Development, Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN in partnership with UNESCO. The Centre is the Women), and the United Nations Population first multidisciplinary Category 2 Centre in Fund (UNFPA). The demand for humanitarian UNESCO’s network and is as such closely linked assistance continues to rise, exacerbated by to UNESCO’s mandate.

MultilateralMultilateral developmentdevelopment cooperationcooperation 2019 2019

777 8 43.500 194 A contribution of ISK 777 Iceland currently leads the coordi- people in Northern-Uganda benefit states contribute to the million to several institutions nation effort among the Nordic- from a partnership with UNICEF Green Climate Fund. In for emergency and humani- Baltic constituency, a faction of 8 strengthening the nexus of humani- 2019 Iceland doubled tarian assistance. states, at the World Bank. tarian and development initiatives. its contribution.

BBilateralilateral d developmentevelopment c cooperationooperation 22019019

13,000 40,000 88 2,000 81,000 homes in the township people in Sierra A contribution of ISK 88 million female workers enjoy people gained access to of Mangochi in Malawi Leone gained access to the district level programme the benefits of improved maternity received new toilet to clean water. based approaches in Malawi improved conditions at services in the township facilities. and Uganda due to COVID-19. fisk markets in Uganda. of Mangochi in Malawi. 14 May 2020

GRATITUDE Greetings from the Each group of returning travellers was celebrated by the Consular Services team like a goal in a sporting match, Consular Services emotions running high and com- pleted checklists enthusiastically torn down from the drawing boards. It is a As the coronavirus pandemic was forcing borders to good feeling to be able help people close and disrupting international passenger flights, out of demanding circumstances the Icelandic Foreign Service was working around the which have put all parties in question to the test. clock to assist Icelanders abroad in finding their way home. The situation had become quite complex for I’ve probably been in more contact some people, but thankfully we were able to solve with the Foreign Ministry than anyone many of the problems they were facing. Our diplomatic else for the past seven days. They’ve missions gathered information on travel restrictions been incredibly helpful, and I know that they are working on some sort and available routes to provide people with the travel of a solution for me and at least 30 advice they needed. other Icelanders that are stranded here.” Sóldís Alda Óskarsdóttir, a traveller in Bali, told mbl.is The Consular Services’ inbox has a special folder titled Love and Romance, dedicated to distanced loved ones trying to reunite at a time when normal flight routes were largely disrupted. “I’m thankful for this adventure, the help and the unity I have felt Reuniting lovers was an especially rewarding task for us! throughout this whole process.” An We are thankful for the fact that 12 thousand individuals regis- unnamed traveller said as he came home from South America. tered with the Consular Services giving us a clearer picture of the challenge we were facing. We called many of those people to check whether they still needed our assistance. While some- „AFS in Iceland would like to express its appreciation to the Foreign times surprised by the call, most were happy to hear from us. Ministry for their invaluable help and The letters of appreciation we received further motivated us to good cooperation over the past few continue our work. weeks. Professionalism and problem solving has been the connecting theme throughout,” the international youth exchange organization AFS wrote on Facebook.

“When I told my [foreign] in-laws that you had called to check up on me, they were speechless. I am very thankful for being an Icelander in these times,” an unnamed traveller wrote to the Foreign Ministry. Now, when most of those who wanted to return to Iceland have landed safely, the Consular Services return to normal. Therefore, we remind you to renew your passports so you will be ready to go when travel restrictions are lifted. Our diplomatic missions and consuls are always at your service - but thinking ahead always pays off.

Kind regards, the Consular Services

15 Foreign affairs Excerpt from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation to the Parliament 2020

Government of Iceland Ministry for Foreign Affairs