Wen's visit injects impetus to China-Iceland ties
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E-mail Xinhua, April 22, 2012
Though far apart, China and Iceland have pledged to cooperate more closely in the fields of geothermal energy, Arctic affairs and economy during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's milestone visit to the island nation.
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Premier Wen Jiabao (L) visited the Hellisheidi Power Station in southwest Iceland on April 21, 2012. [Xinhua photo] |
Wen began the first official visit by a Chinese premier in 41 years to Iceland on Friday, just one day after Iceland's annual public holiday "the First Day of Summer", which marks the end of the long winter.
Amid the joyful atmosphere of the festival that Wen said he was "happy to share" with Icelanders, the two countries, though vastly different in national conditions, agreed to carry out more cooperation in the future.
Strengthened geothermal cooperation
During his two-day visit to Iceland, Wen spent Saturday afternoon in Iceland's largest geothermal power plant, where he held a seminar with students from United Nations University Geothermal Training Program(UNU-GTP) and Icelandic geologists.
China, Wen said during the meeting, is still in its infancy of developing and utilizing geothermal energy, thus enjoying a huge market potential.
There is "a long tradition of cooperation between geothermal specialists in China and Iceland," UNU-GTP Director Ingvar B. Fridleifsson told Xinhua, noting the largest number of UNU fellows, which amounts to 78, come from China.
Iceland's Foreign Minister Ossur Skarphedinsson, who accompanied Wen during the visit to the power station, said that Iceland is willing to share all its expertise with China in geothermal energy and to make the cooperation between the two countries a good example.
In a move to further advance their cooperation in geothermal energy, Premier Wen and Iceland Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir on Friday witnessed the signing ceremony of six documents covering bilateral cooperation in geothermal energy, geosciences and Arctic studies among other fields.
Closer consultation on Arctic affairs
Meanwhile, Wen's visit was also highlighted by consensus on Arctic affairs, with the two countries clinching a framework agreement on Arctic cooperation and a document on marine and polar science cooperation.
The two prime ministers also agreed to carry out close consultations on Arctic affairs.
Sigurdardottir said Iceland backs China to be an observer of the Arctic Council, and supports China's participation in the peaceful exploration in the region.
Established in 1996, the Arctic Council includes the five Nordic countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Canada, Russia and the United States, plus representatives of six indigenous peoples' organizations in the Arctic.
Speaking of China's intention of engaging Arctic affairs, Skarphedinsson said he believed that "the interest of the Chinese in the Arctic is commercial" and the Chinese are not coming with any hostility.
Expedited free trade zone talks
The two leaders also struck an upbeat tone about their economic ties, with a pledge to expedite their free trade talks.
In his meeting with Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Wen suggested that China and Iceland speed up the negotiating process, which was officially launched in 2007, and strive together to bring forth the first free trade zone between China and a European nation next year.
Skarphedinsson also expressed confidence that the free trade deal can be scored next year, and told Xinhua that Iceland needs "markets for high quality fish."
"In terms of population, Iceland is a small country and China is the biggest one. But when we come together and join hands, we can certainly make a difference," said Skarphedinsson, who has been a staunch supporter for enhancing cooperation with China.
"Bilateral ties are very strong for a long time," he said, adding the relations are "very good today."
Iceland is the first Western European country recognizing China's market economy status and the first country in Europe conducting Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations with China.
Wen will wrap up the tour to Iceland Saturday morning. He will also visit Sweden, Poland and Germany.
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