Russian PM in Iceland

Russian Federation PM Mikhail E. Fradkov and Icelandic PM Halldór Ásgrímsson met this afternoon in Reykjavík to discuss building relations between the two countries.

"We had a very good meeting," said Ásgrímsson, "We discussed our economic cooperation and trade, and want to do our upmost to increase trade between our two countries, especially in the areas of fishing and tourism. We are very pleased with the results."

PM Fradkov concurred, adding, "We have decided to take practical steps towards our economic cooperation. I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for hosting this conference of Baltic Sea states."

When asked about the possibility of Iceland sharing geothermal energy technology with the Russian Federation, Ásgrímsson replied, "This is something that we've discussed a lot, and we've decided to cooperate on this matter to develop such technology within Russian."

PM Fradkov added, "This is a priority for us, to enhance this cooperation, and we want to begin developing this technology within different regions within the Russian Federation."

When PM Fradkov was asked what consequences he felt might result of Georgia and the Ukraine joining NATO, he replied, "My imagination doesn't go that far. I don't think we have the right to decide for these two countries what they should do."

Another member of the press brought up the fact that recently, the Russian Ministry of Fisheries had banned the import of Icelandic fish, to which PM Fradkov replied, "[The Russian Federation] will not create arteficial obstacles for Icelandic imports. I repeat, we will not create arteficial obstacles. I think that we will settle issues of sanitation soon enough. This is just a technical detail."

PM Ásgrímsson was asked if, considering the recent arrivals of Alcoa and Alcan to Iceland to build aluminium smelters, if Iceland is considering allowing Russian aluminium companies to come to Iceland as well.

"The discussion of smelters is on-going," said Ásgrímsson, "and will go on, but I think it will happen, although it will take time."