The relationship between Switzerland and Iceland, which have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1951, is excellent. The two countries maintain bilateral relations primarily within the framework of the European Free Trade Association, EFTA, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe.
Seven parliamentary groups are currently represented in the Icelandic parliament (the Althing). It has 63 members, 30 of whom are women.
At their meeting, the President of the National Council and the Speaker of the Althing discussed the key features of the close bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iceland. In certain areas, such as training for staff in the tourist industry, cooperation could be increased. The growth of tourism in Iceland is slowly becoming an issue. In 2010, around 460,000 tourists visited Iceland, while in 2017 2.5 million visitors are expected. The infrastructure cannot cope with this development and the majority of the 30,000 or so people who work in the tourist industry do not have the required training. Relations with the EU were also the focus of talks. While Iceland at one time considered joining the EU, the matter is no longer under discussion.
The close cooperation between the two countries, this time within the framework of EFTA, was also a theme in talks with Sturla Sigurjónsson, permanent secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides are watching the Brexit negotiations and more general developments within the EU with interest, as these issues could be significant both for Iceland as an EFTA/EEA member and for Switzerland.
The President of the National Council, Jürg Stahl, was also able to meet members of the Icelandic EFTA/EEA delegation, their discussion focusing on liberalisation in the farming industry.
During a courtesy visit to the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, talks again covered the possibility of cooperation on education and training, particularly in the tourist industry. President Jóhannesson also raised the topic of cooperation on cultural matters and made special mention of a partnership between the city of Reykjavik and Art Basel on an arts project.
The President of the National Council, Jürg Stahl, also used the opportunity of his visit to Iceland to discuss sports promotion with the president of the Icelandic Football Association (KSÍ), Guðni Bergsson, and with the president of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland, Lárus Blöndal. Talks focused on the measures taken by Icelandic sports clubs which have contributed significantly to the success of the Icelandic national teams in handball, basketball and football.
The programme also included a visit to the construction site of the 7.2km-long Vadlaheidi Tunnel in North Iceland, which will allow the main road around the island to remain open all year round. A Swiss construction company has been commissioned to carry out this challenging and ambitious infrastructure project. President of the National Council Jürg Stahl met the Swiss excavation engineer to discuss his experiences and the challenges of tunnel construction on this geologically still very young island.