Iceland and the UK reached a trade agreement yesterday which allows trade to continue unchanged between the countries if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, RÚV reports. Though the agreement is temporary, Iceland’s Foreign Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson says he is hopeful relations will continue to be good between the two countries. The contract is set to be signed next week.
“It’s been some time since we concluded the agreements if they [leave the EU] with a deal. What we had concluded if they went out without a deal was air travel and citizens’ rights. But merchandise trade was left and now that’s been completed and we will be signing it soon,” stated Guðlaugur Þór. “The next project is the future arrangement in relations between the UK and Iceland.”
The contract in question is a short-term solution meant to ensure the continuation of trade between the countries. Nevertheless, Guðlaugur Þór stated, “We have been very pleased with relations with the Brits and expect nothing but a good outcome for the future relations of the nations.” Agreements yet to be made between the UK and EU could affect Iceland-UK relations.
