OPINION: Partners in the Arctic

A great friendship has developed between my own country, Iceland, and the state of Alaska; or, shall we say, our two peoples, elected representatives and other leading individuals.

This is no coincidence and perhaps should have taken root sooner.

There is arguably no state in the United States of America that has more in common with Iceland than Alaska, with its vast nature and sparse population, with its focus on the constant battle to co-exist with dramatic natural elements and challenging weather conditions, as well as the need to maintain sustainable livelihoods and harmony with nature.

Just as the Alaskans we in Iceland are Arctic people, shaped by the geographic and natural realities that go with that, a determined people, intent on finding our own way in the world.

It is such a pleasure and a privilege for me to finally get the chance to visit Alaska and to participate in the Arctic Encounter in Anchorage on April 7-8. A key event, that brings together leaders from Arctic communities to discuss the current and future state of the Arctic. And I am so proud to be able to announce a new beginning in the relationship between Iceland and Alaska, through the nomination of Mrs. Rachel Kallander, Founder and Executive Director of Arctic Encounter, as Iceland´s Honorary Consul in Alaska. We have big hopes for the development of this relationship, in the field of people-to-people contacts, trade and culture, as well as in the field of Arctic affairs, the tie that binds us perhaps the most. Alaska and Iceland are gateways to the Arctic, Alaska from the Pacific and Iceland from North-Atlantic. As such, we share both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with it.

It has been interesting to witness how the political debate about the Arctic has taken on a more prominent role not only in the halls of power in Washington, D.C. but also in my own capital, Reykjavik and, indeed, elsewhere. On that front, I believe both Icelanders and Alaskans are adamant that the people most affected by decisions and policies on the future of the Arctic should be actively involved in shaping and setting the agenda.

This is certainly the case in the United States where your congressional delegation is leading the way in Washington, with other nonelected persons in various other roles that provide opportunity to shape both the debate and the decisions. While Alaskans have lost a giant of congressional politics with the recent passing of Rep. Don Young, you remain ably represented in the halls of power by people of vision and influence, many of whom I am grateful that I can call my friends. I look forward to meeting them in their homes in Alaska in April, as I prepare for my journey to Anchorage from Washington, D.C.

Last year, Iceland’s Parliament, the Althingi, adopted a new Arctic Strategy that highlights the importance of international cooperation on the Arctic, with the Arctic Council as the primary forum. There is also a strong focus on the Arctic marine environment, climate and green solutions, and developing people to people collaboration.

Iceland and the U.S. can and should work together on these issues, in addition to defense and security, as well as in the field of energy, where we have experience to share with each other and lessons to learn.

Bergdís Ellertsdóttir serves as Ambassador of Iceland to the U.S. She has worked on international trade as well as security issues, multilateral and bilateral issues in her long career within the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

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