Members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will cooperate closely to maintain close trade and business relations with the UK, according to a decision made at a ministerial meeting of EFTA in Bern, Switzerland. This was revealed in a press release from the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Lilja Alfreðsdóttir attends the meeting on Iceland’s behalf.
At the meeting today, the situation following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union was discussed.
EFTA members will seek solutions, as the UK negotiates with the EU, in finding ways to prevent a legal vacuum when the UK formally leaves the EU.
At the meeting, Lilja emphasized the importance of good trade relations between Iceland and the UK, and she welcomed the news that other EFTA members were interested in consulting with each other to ensure good progress.
Iceland will be heading EFTA as of July 1, as well as taking over the leadership of the European Economic Area. The Icelandic leadership will place a particular emphasis on EFTA relations with the UK.
The ministerial meeting concludes tonight.
