Press Releases
Japan-Iceland Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On May 26, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.
1. At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his respect for the Icelandic government’s efforts to improve the situation related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), reported that Japan provided Avigan tablets for Iceland based on Iceland’s request and expressed Japan’s expectation that the tablets would contribute to the advancement of the clinical research. Minister Thordarson expressed his gratitude for the provision of Avigan tablets, and explained Iceland’s initiatives to balance easing restrictions with preventing the spread of infections.
2. The two Ministers exchanged views on cooperation on the promotion of women’s empowerment and on the Arctic, including co-hosting 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3). Furthermore, both Ministers shared the view to strengthen bilateral relationship promoting bilateral people-to-people exchanges, once the COVID-19-related situation subsides and exchanges can be resumed.