Baltic presidents and their spouses make an official visit to Iceland

President Guzni Last night, Johannesson and First Lady Eliza Reid hosted a dinner for the Presidents and First Ladies of the Baltic States. The dinner became his second destination in a celebratory program marking the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

30 years since the restoration of diplomatic relations

It has been 31 years since the Baltics and Iceland restored diplomatic relations (26 August 1991). The latter became the first country to recognize the independence of the Baltic states after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To mark this milestone, the presidents of the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Iceland yesterday afternoon to participate in a celebratory programme.

Latvian President Egils Levitt and his wife Andra Levitt. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and First Lady Diana Nausediene. Estonian President Alaa Kalis and First Lady Sirje Kalis began their trip by visiting the Icelandic parliament. Mr. Birgil Almansson, Speaker of the National Assembly, welcomed the guests and briefed them on the history of the institution. Visitors then sat down with representatives of Iceland’s political parties before capping off the evening with an official dinner at Bessastadir, the presidential residence.

Accompanying the president are three foreign ministers: Edgarus Linkevich of Latvia, Urmas Reinsar of Estonia and Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania. The governors of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius also arrived in Iceland and attended last night’s dinner.

From Höfði til Þingvellir

A series of commemorative events are also scheduled for today, beginning with the Khofzi, where the presidents of the Baltics greet attendees. Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, presents her four-country joint statement signed by all foreign ministers.

Both parties then move to the University of Iceland. “Icebreaker on the international stage? Iceland’s support for Baltic independence from 1990 to her 1991. After the speech, the four presidents sit down to discuss the relations between the two countries.

In the late afternoon, the party will sail to Vizei Island, where Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir will host a celebratory dinner. After dinner, drive to Hellisheiði Power Station, where Iceland’s use of green energy and the work of Icelandic company Carbfix will be showcased.

The last stop on the itinerary is Thingvellir National Park.