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foreign relations of Iceland

{{Short description|none}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}

{{Politics of Iceland}}

Iceland took control of its foreign affairs in 1918 when it became a sovereign country, the Kingdom of Iceland, in a personal union with the King of Denmark. As a fully independent state, Iceland could have joined the League of Nations in 1920, but chose not to do so for cost reasons. It negotiated with Denmark to initially carry out most of its foreign relations, while maintaining full control. Denmark appointed a diplomatic envoy (Ambassador) to Iceland in 1919 and Iceland reciprocated in 1920, opening an embassy in Copenhagen. Iceland established its own Foreign Service in April 1940{{Cite web|url=https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/04/09/80th-anniversary-of-the-Icelandic-Foreign-Service/|title=80th anniversary of the Icelandic Foreign Service|website=government.is|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200409154227/https://www.government.is/news/article/2020/04/09/80th-anniversary-of-the-Icelandic-Foreign-Service/|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-09}} when Denmark became occupied by Nazi Germany and ties between the two countries were severed. The Republic of Iceland was founded in 1944. The Icelandic foreign service grew slowly in the post-WWII period, but increased rapidly after the mid-1990s. Iceland's closest relations are with the Nordic states, the European Union and the United States.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r6irpwAACAAJ|title = The Rebellious Ally: Iceland, the United States, and the Politics of Empire 1945-2006|isbn = 9789089790699|last1 = Ingimundarson|first1 = Valur|year = 2011| publisher=Republic of Letters }} Iceland has been a member of the United Nations since 1946. Iceland was a founding member of the World Bank in 1946 and NATO in 1949. In terms of European integration, Iceland was a founding member of the [https://archives.eui.eu/en/isaar/39#:~:text=The%20Organisation%20for%20European%20Economic,the%20countries%20of%20Western%20Europe OEEC] (now OECD) in 1948 and the [https://www.norden.org/en/information/nordic-council Nordic Council] in 1952, it joined EFTA in 1970, was a founding member of the CSCE (now OSCE) in 1973 and the EEA in 1992 and joined Schengen in 1996.[https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-agreement/#:~:text=Since%20then%2C%20the%20Schengen%20Area,new%20five%20countries%20to%20join History of the Schengen Agreement] - Schengen Visa Information

From 1951 to 2006, there was an American military base and troop presence in Iceland.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2016-02-24/return-keflavik-station|title=Return to Keflavik Station|last1=Petursson|first1=Gustav|date=24 February 2016|work=Foreign Affairs|access-date=24 December 2018|last2=Winger|first2=Gregory|issn=0015-7120}} During the Cold War, Iceland had a close but contentious relationship with the United States, leading some scholars to describe Iceland as a "rebellious ally" and "reluctant ally." Iceland repeatedly threatened to leave NATO or cancel the US defence agreement during the Cold War. As a consequence, the United States provided Iceland with extensive economic assistance and diplomatic support. Iceland hosted the historic 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Reykjavík, which set the stage for the end of the Cold War.

Fishing rights

Iceland's principal historical international disputes involved disagreements over fishing rights. Conflict with the United Kingdom led to the so-called Cod Wars in 1952–56 because of the extension of the fishing zone from 3 to 4 nautical miles (6 to 7 km), 1958–61 because of extending the fishing zone to 12 nautical miles (22 km) in 1972–73 because of its further extension to 50 nautical miles (93 km) and in 1975–76 because of its extension to 200 nautical miles (370 km).{{Cite journal|last=GuÐmundsson|first=GuÐmundur J.|date=1 June 2006|title=The Cod and the Cold War|journal=Scandinavian Journal of History|volume=31|issue=2|pages=97–118|doi=10.1080/03468750600604184|s2cid=143956818|issn=0346-8755}}{{Cite journal|last=Steinsson|first=Sverrir|date=22 March 2016|title=The Cod Wars: a re-analysis|journal=European Security|volume=25|issue=2|pages=256–275|doi=10.1080/09662839.2016.1160376|s2cid=155242560|issn=0966-2839}} Disagreements with Norway and Russia over fishing rights in the Barents Sea were successfully resolved in 2000.

Whaling

Certain environmentalists are concerned that Iceland left the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in June 1992 in protest of an IWC decision to refuse to lift the ban on whaling, after the IWC Scientific Committee had determined that the taking of certain species could safely be resumed. That year, Iceland established a separate commission – along with Norway, Greenland and the Faroe Islands – for the conservation, management, and study of marine mammals. Since then, Iceland has resumed whaling for scientific purpose and has rejoined the IWC (in October 2002). The Icelandic Fisheries Ministry issued a permit to hunt 39 whales for commercial purposes on 17 October 2006.{{cite web|url=http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/the-expedition/news/iceland-resumes-commercial-wha|title=Iceland resumes commercial whaling|publisher=Greenpeace International|access-date=17 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030181624/http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/the-expedition/news/iceland-resumes-commercial-wha|archive-date=30 October 2006|url-status=dead}} 25 states delivered a formal diplomatic protest to the Icelandic government on 1 November concerning resumed commercial whaling. The protest was led by the United Kingdom and supported by others such as Finland and Sweden.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6107074.stm|title=Iceland rapped over whale hunting|publisher=BBC|access-date=2 November 2006 | date=1 November 2006}}

Recognition of post-Soviet states

Iceland was the first country to recognize the regained independence of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan from the USSR in 1990–1991. Similarly, it was the first country to recognize Montenegro's independence from its former union with Serbia.{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.me/naslovna?akcija=vijesti&id=13905|title=Vlada Crne Gore|website=gov.me}} Iceland was also the first country to recognize Croatia, having done so on 19 December 1991.{{cite web|url=http://www.sabor.hr/Default.aspx?art=1769&sec=461|title=Važniji datumi iz povijesti saborovanja|publisher=Hrvatski Sabor|access-date=23 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520072524/http://www.sabor.hr/Default.aspx?art=1769&sec=461|archive-date=20 May 2013|url-status=dead}} Significantly, Iceland was also the first Western state to recognise Palestine when it did so in 2011.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/30/iceland-recognises-palestinian-state|title=Iceland recognises Palestinian state|agency=Associated Press|date=30 November 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=1 May 2016}} Iceland also is the greatest Nordic contributor per capita to NATO-led troops in Bosnia and Kosovo, to the police in Bosnia and to Bosnian/Kosovan reconstruction, resettlement and relief efforts.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}}

Membership in international organizations

Iceland is a member of the following organisations: North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; International Criminal Court; International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; International Development Association; International Finance Corporation; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; European Economic Area; European Free Trade Association; Council of Europe; International Criminal Police Organization; and the United Nations, since 19 November 1946, and most of its specialized agencies, including the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Labour Organization, International Maritime Organization, International Telecommunication Union, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Universal Postal Union, World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization and the International Whaling Commission.

Iceland was given the opportunity to join the League of Nations in 1920, but opted not to, primarily due to limited administrative resources.{{Cite book|title=Fyrstu forsetarnir|last=Jóhannesson|first=Guðni Th.|year=2016}} Iceland joined the UN in 1945 but took until 1965 to establish a permanent mission.{{Cite web|url=https://www.routledge.com/Small-States-and-Shelter-Theory-Icelands-External-Affairs-1st-Edition/Thorhallsson/p/book/9781138615373|title=Small States and Shelter Theory: Iceland's External Affairs|year=2018|editor-last=Thorhallsson|editor-first=Baldur|publisher=Routledge|pages=108–113}}

In the IMF, Iceland is in the Nordic-Baltic constituency of the 24-member executive board of the IMF, along with Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.{{Cite journal|last1=Woods|first1=Ngaire|last2=Lombardi|first2=Domenico|date=2006|title=Uneven patterns of governance: how developing countries are represented in the IMF|journal=Review of International Political Economy|volume=13|issue=3|pages=480–515|doi=10.1080/09692290600769351|s2cid=154895221|issn=0969-2290}}

International disputes

=Rockall=

{{main|Rockall}}

Iceland has an ongoing dispute with Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands) on the one hand and with the UK and Ireland on the other hand, concerning claims to the continental shelf in the Hatton–Rockall area of the North Atlantic under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982).{{cite news | first = John | last = Ross | title = Why a barren rock in the Atlantic is the focus of an international battle of wills | url = http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1543182007 | work = The Scotsman | date = 27 September 2007 | access-date = 27 September 2007}} Iceland's claim covers virtually the entire area claimed by the other three countries, except for a small portion in the south-east corner of the Irish claim,[http://www.reglugerd.is/interpro/dkm/WebGuard.nsf/key2/196-1985 Regulation 196/1985]. {{in lang|is}} while the Faroes claim most of the area claimed by the UK and Ireland.Source: [http://www.utanrikisraduneyti.is/media/Frettamyndir/landgrunnsk_hatton_rockall.jpg Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs]. Negotiations continue between the four countries in the hope of making a joint proposal to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf by May 2009.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}

=Deposit insurance=

{{main|Icesave dispute}}

Following the collapse of Icesave sparking the 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis, the U.K. and the Netherlands offered to insure the deposits of the bank's customers. They then sought repayment from Iceland, which held a referendum on the issue in 2010 and 2011, both of which failed. The two governments then said they would take the issue to European courts to seek redress they alleged is owed to them. In January 2013 the EFTA court cleared Iceland of all charges.

European Union application

{{main|Iceland–European Union relations|Enlargement of the European Union}}

File:Iceland Reykjavík Port Whaling Ships.jpg is a major stumbling bloc to accession]]

Iceland has had a close relationship with the European Union (EU) throughout its development, but has remained outside (instead, joining the European Free Trade Area or EFTA). In 1972, the two sides signed a free trade agreement and in 1994 Iceland joined the European Economic Area which let itself and other non-EU states have access to the EU's internal market in exchange for Iceland contributing funds and applying EU law in relevant areas. The EU is Iceland's most important trading partner with a strong trade surplus in 2008/9 in terms of goods, services and foreign direct investment. Iceland also participates in the Schengen Area (as well as relevant police and judicial cooperation) and has non-voting representation in some EU agencies.[http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/iceland/ Iceland], European Commission[http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iceland/index_en.htm Iceland], EEAS

However, after Iceland's financial crash in 2008, it has sought membership of the EU and the euro. Iceland applied on 16 July 2009 and negotiations formally began 17 June 2011.[http://europe.mfa.is/phase1/timeline/ Timeline of events – Iceland's application for membership of the EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903164421/http://europe.mfa.is/phase1/timeline/ |date=3 September 2011 }}, Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs After an agreement is concluded, the accession treaty must be ratified by every EU state and be subject to a national referendum in Iceland.[http://europe.mfa.is/phase-3---ratification-process/ratification-process/ National Referendum – Iceland's application for membership of the EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904035335/http://europe.mfa.is/phase-3---ratification-process/ratification-process/ |date=4 September 2011 }}, Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs Since the application was submitted, popular support has declined and contentious issues around Icelandic fisheries may derail negotiations. However the Icelandic government is confident an agreement can be reached based on the flexibility shown by the EU in its previous negotiations with Norway.{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/9/32555|title=Iceland: EU membership depends on fishery 'superpowers'|date=27 June 2011 |access-date=20 February 2015}}

In 2014, Iceland froze their application to join the European Union.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/12/iceland-drops-european-union-membership-bid|title=Iceland drops EU membership bid: 'interests better served outside' union|agency=AFP|date=12 March 2015|newspaper=The Guardian}}

Agreed Minute

{{main|Agreed Minute}}

The Agreed Minute was a statute governing the nature of the U.S. military presence in Iceland. The Agreed Minute was last renegotiated in 2001. At the time, the U.S. Air Force committed itself to maintaining four to six interceptors at the Keflavík base, supported by a helicopter rescue squad. The Air Force, in order to cut costs, announced plans to remove the four remaining jets in 2003. The removal was then delayed to address Icelandic demands for continued presence of the jets. After an unfruitful series of negotiations and two reshuffles of the Icelandic government the issue lay dormant until early 2006 when the U.S. Air Force issued an official statement that withdrawal of the aircraft was already being prepared. U.S. officials have since then argued that Iceland is in no need of a military presence.

NATO allies since then conduct air policing after the U.S. Air Force withdrawal.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Iceland maintains diplomatic relations with:

class="wikitable sortable"

! colspan="3" |File:Diplomatic relations of Iceland.svg

#

!Country

!Date{{Cite web |title=Establishment of Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs/protocol/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations/ |access-date=7 June 2024|website=Government of Iceland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226010259/https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs/protocol/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations/|archive-date=26 February 2024|url-status=live}}

1

|{{flag|Denmark}}

|{{dts|1 December 1918}}

2

|{{flag|United Kingdom}}

|{{dts|8 May 1940}}

3

|{{flag|Sweden}}

|{{dts|27 July 1940}}

4

|{{flag|Norway}}

|{{dts|29 August 1940}}

5

|{{flag|United States}}

|{{dts|1 July 1941}}

6

|{{flag|Russia}}

|{{dts|4 October 1943}}

7

|{{flag|Italy}}

|{{dts|15 August 1945}}

8

|{{flag|Belgium}}

|{{dts|9 November 1945}}

9

|{{flag|France}}

|{{dts|18 November 1945}}

10

|{{flag|Netherlands}}

|{{dts|9 January 1946}}

11

|{{flag|Czech Republic}}

|{{dts|27 February 1946}}

12

|{{flag|Poland}}

|{{dts|14 November 1946}}

13

|{{flag|Canada}}

|{{dts|6 June 1947}}

14

|{{flag|Switzerland}}

|{{dts|15 July 1947}}

15

|{{flag|Finland}}

|{{dts|15 August 1947}}

16

|{{flag|Portugal}}

|{{dts|23 January 1948}}

17

|{{flag|Ireland}}

|{{dts|11 March 1948}}

18

|{{flag|Iran}}

|{{dts|15 March 1948}}

19

|{{flag|Spain}}

|{{dts|20 September 1949}}

20

|{{flag|Israel}}

|{{dts|10 August 1951}}{{Cite book |title=Israel Digest, A Bi-weekly Summary of News from Israel · Volume 2 |publisher=Israel Office of Information (New York, N.Y.) |year=1951 |pages=5}}

21

|{{flag|Argentina}}

|{{dts|21 April 1952}}{{Cite book|title=Memoria|publisher=Argentina Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto|year=1952|pages=210|language=es}}

22

|{{flag|Brazil}}

|{{dts|28 April 1952}}{{Cite book|title=Anais da Câmara dos Deputados (12)|publisher=Brazil, Congresso Nacional. Câmara dos Deputados|year=1952|pages=206|language=pt}}

23

|{{flag|Germany}}

|{{dts|10 July 1952}}

24

|{{flag|Serbia}}

|{{dts|27 February 1953}}

25

|{{flag|Hungary}}

|{{dts|17 July 1955}}

26

|{{flag|Cuba}}

|{{dts|26 January 1956}}{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Memoria anual 2015 |url=https://archivo.cubaminrex.cu/sites/default/files/memoria_anual_2015.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507190813/https://archivo.cubaminrex.cu/sites/default/files/memoria_anual_2015.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2019 |page=21 |language=es}}

27

|{{flag|Romania}}

|{{dts|18 May 1956}}

28

|{{flag|Japan}}

|{{dts|8 December 1956}}

29

|{{flag|Turkey}}

|{{dts|25 November 1957}}

30

|{{flag|Greece}}

|{{dts|6 June 1958}}

31

|{{flag|Luxembourg}}

|{{dts|30 July 1962}}

32

|{{flag|South Korea}}

|{{dts|10 October 1962}}

33

|{{flag|Chile}}

|{{dts|6 November 1963}}

34

|{{flag|Bulgaria}}

|{{dts|19 November 1963}}

35

|{{flag|Mexico}}

|{{dts|24 March 1964}}

36

|{{flag|Austria}}

|{{dts|20 July 1964}}

37

|{{flag|Peru}}

|{{dts|14 November 1967}}

38

|{{flag|Egypt}}

|{{dts|20 May 1968}}

39

|{{flag|Ethiopia}}

|{{dts|20 May 1968}}

40

|{{flag|Niger}}

|{{dts|26 January 1970}}

41

|{{flag|Tunisia}}

|{{dts|14 May 1970}}

42

|{{flag|Nigeria}}

|{{dts|3 November 1970}}

43

|{{flag|China}}

|{{dts|14 December 1971}}

44

|{{flag|India}}

|{{dts|11 May 1972}}

45

|{{flag|Lebanon}}

|{{dts|28 March 1973}}

46

|{{flag|North Korea}}

|{{dts|27 July 1973}}

47

|{{flag|Vietnam}}

|{{dts|5 August 1973}}

48

|{{flag|Kenya}}

|{{dts|30 October 1973}}

49

|{{flag|Mongolia}}

|{{dts|4 June 1974}}

50

|{{flag|Bahamas}}

|{{dts|18 March 1975}}

51

|{{flag|Thailand}}

|{{dts|18 June 1975}}

52

|{{flag|Albania}}

|{{dts|9 April 1976}}

–

|{{flag|Holy See}}

|{{dts|12 October 1976}}

53

|{{flag|Pakistan}}

|{{dts|7 December 1976}}{{Cite book |title=Diplomatic Corps and Consular, Trade, and Other Foreign Representatives in Pakistan |year=1981 |pages=32}}

54

|{{flag|Cape Verde}}

|{{dts|20 July 1977}}

55

|{{flag|Ghana}}

|{{dts|11 October 1977}}{{Cite book |last=Thorsteinsson |first=Pétur J. |title=Utanríkisþjónusta Íslands og utanríkismál: sögulegt yfirlit |year=1992 |pages=1064-1066 |language=is}}

56

|{{flag|Tanzania}}

|{{dts|17 November 1977}}

57

|{{flag|Iraq}}

|{{dts|20 April 1978}}

58

|{{flag|Bangladesh}}

|{{dts|23 November 1978}}

59

|{{flag|Bahrain}}

|{{dts|20 May 1978}}

60

|{{flag|San Marino}}

|{{dts|29 September 1978}}

61

|{{flag|Barbados}}

|{{dts|9 April 1979}}

62

|{{flag|Cyprus}}

|{{dts|4 September 1979}}

63

|{{flag|Venezuela}}

|{{dts|15 January 1981}}

64

|{{flag|Nepal}}

|{{dts|25 May 1981}}

65

|{{flag|Colombia}}

|{{dts|15 September 1981}}

66

|{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}

|{{dts|15 January 1982}}

67

|{{flag|Nicaragua}}

|{{dts|16 December 1982}}

68

|{{flag|Grenada}}

|{{dts|14 January 1983}}

69

|{{flag|Algeria}}

|{{dts|17 May 1983}}

70

|{{flag|Indonesia}}

|{{dts|13 June 1983}}

71

|{{flag|Yemen}}

|{{dts|20 July 1983}}

72

|{{flag|Lesotho}}

|{{dts|24 August 1983}}

73

|{{flag|Australia}}

|{{dts|12 February 1984}}

74

|{{flag|Somalia}}

|{{dts|20 March 1985}}

75

|{{flag|Morocco}}

|{{dts|24 September 1985}}

76

|{{flag|Angola}}

|{{dts|2 November 1988}}

77

|{{flag|New Zealand}}

|{{dts|21 October 1988}}

78

|{{flag|Maldives}}

|{{dts|30 January 1990}}

79

|{{flag|Botswana}}

|{{dts|5 April 1990}}

80

|{{flag|Seychelles}}

|{{dts|8 November 1990}}

81

|{{flag|Jordan}}

|{{dts|5 December 1990}}{{Cite book |last=Thorsteinsson |first=Pétur J. |title=Utanríkisþjónusta Íslands og utanríkismál: sögulegt yfirlit |year=1992 |pages=1080 |language=is}}

82

|{{flag|Namibia}}

|{{dts|10 December 1990}}

83

|{{flag|Uruguay}}

|{{dts|18 June 1991}}

84

|{{flag|Estonia}}

|{{dts|26 August 1991}}

85

|{{flag|Latvia}}

|{{dts|26 August 1991}}

86

|{{flag|Lithuania}}

|{{dts|26 August 1991}}

87

|{{flag|Slovenia}}

|{{dts|24 February 1992}}

88

|{{flag|Oman}}

|{{dts|26 February 1992}}

89

|{{flag|Ukraine}}

|{{dts|30 March 1992}}

90

|{{flag|Liechtenstein}}

|{{dts|26 June 1992}}{{cite web |author1=Halldór Ásgrímsson |year=2000 |title=Ljósmyndasýning í tilefni af 60 ára afmæli utanríkisþjónustunnar 10. apríl 2000 |url=https://www.stjornarradid.is/media/utanrikisraduneyti-media/media/pdf/60ara_utanrikis.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902002928/https://www.stjornarradid.is/media/utanrikisraduneyti-media/media/pdf/60ara_utanrikis.pdf |archive-date=2 September 2019 |access-date=2 September 2019 |page=23 |language=is}}

91

|{{flag|Croatia}}

|{{dts|30 June 1992}}

92

|{{flag|Georgia}}

|{{dts|21 September 1992}}

93

|{{flag|Slovakia}}

|{{dts|1 January 1993}}{{Cite web |title=Štáty a teritóriá |url=https://www.mzv.sk/staty |access-date=26 May 2023 |language=sk}}

94

|{{flag|Marshall Islands}}

|{{dts|25 January 1993}}

95

|{{flag|Guatemala}}

|{{dts|5 August 1993}}

96

|{{flag|Eswatini}}

|{{dts|3 December 1993}}

97

|{{flag|North Macedonia}}

|{{dts|29 December 1993}}

98

|{{flag|South Africa}}

|{{dts|31 May 1994}}

99

|{{flag|Moldova}}

|{{dts|1 June 1994}}

100

|{{flag|Andorra}}

|{{dts|3 August 1995}}

101

|{{flag|Kuwait}}

|{{dts|26 April 1996}}

102

|{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}

|{{dts|8 May 1996}}

103

|{{flag|Costa Rica}}

|{{dts|10 January 1997}}

104

|{{flag|Turkmenistan}}

|{{dts|13 February 1997}}

105

|{{flag|Mozambique}}

|{{dts|5 March 1997}}

106

|{{flag|Armenia}}

|{{dts|15 May 1997}}

107

|{{flag|Uzbekistan}}

|{{dts|25 September 1997}}

108

|{{flag|Azerbaijan}}

|{{dts|27 February 1998}}

109

|{{flag|Malta}}

|{{dts|3 July 1998}}

110

|{{flag|Malawi}}

|{{dts|14 August 1998}}

111

|{{flag|Sri Lanka}}

|{{dts|23 December 1998}}

112

|{{flag|Philippines}}

|{{dts|24 February 1999}}

113

|{{flag|Singapore}}

|{{dts|4 May 1999}}

114

|{{flag|Panama}}

|{{dts|4 June 1999}}

115

|{{flag|Malaysia}}

|{{dts|4 April 2000}}{{Cite web |title=Úr dagskrá 2000 |url=https://olafur.forseti.is/Dagskraforseta/Urdagskra2000/index.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |language=is}}

116

|{{flag|Jamaica}}

|{{dts|24 May 2000}}

117

|{{flag|El Salvador}}

|{{dts|25 October 2000}}

118

|{{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}

|{{dts|2 April 2001}}{{Cite web |title=Список стран, с которыми КР установил дипломатические отношения |url=http://mfa.gov.kg/contents/view/id/98 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330202757/http://mfa.gov.kg/contents/view/id/98 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |access-date=1 August 2021 |language=ru}}

119

|{{flag|Belarus}}

|{{dts|25 May 2001}}

120

|{{flag|Burkina Faso}}

|{{dts|23 October 2001}}

121

|{{flag|Qatar}}

|{{dts|24 January 2002}}

122

|{{flag|Sudan}}

|{{dts|13 June 2003}}

123

|{{flag|Cambodia}}

|{{dts|19 June 2003}}

124

|{{flag|Dominican Republic}}

|{{dts|23 June 2003}}

125

|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

|{{dts|17 September 2003}}

126

|{{flag|Timor-Leste}}

|{{dts|4 December 2003}}

127

|{{flag|Ecuador}}

|{{dts|11 December 2003}}

128

|{{flag|Mauritius}}

|{{dts|15 December 2003}}

129

|{{flag|Nauru}}

|{{dts|17 February 2004}}

130

|{{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}

|{{dts|11 March 2004}}

131

|{{flag|Libya}}

|{{dts|15 March 2004}}

132

|{{flag|Afghanistan|2013}}

|{{dts|17 March 2004}}

133

|{{flag|Paraguay}}

|{{dts|17 March 2004}}

134

|{{flag|Senegal}}

|{{dts|7 April 2004}}

135

|{{flag|Chad}}

|{{dts|14 April 2004}}

136

|{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}

|{{dts|5 May 2004}}

137

|{{flag|Syria}}

|{{dts|6 May 2004}}

138

|{{flag|Gambia}}

|{{dts|11 May 2004}}

139

|{{flag|Rwanda}}

|{{dts|12 May 2004}}

140

|{{flag|Guinea}}

|{{dts|14 May 2004}}

141

|{{flag|Kazakhstan}}

|{{dts|14 May 2004}}

142

|{{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}

|{{dts|27 May 2004}}

143

|{{flag|Uganda}}

|{{dts|22 June 2004}}{{Cite web |title=Um sendiskrifstofu |url=https://www.stjornarradid.is/sendiskrifstofur/sendirad-islands-i-kampala/um-sendiskrifstofu/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |language=is}}{{Cite news |date=22 June 2004 |title=Sendiskrifstofur opnaðar í Úganda og Malaví |url=https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2004/06/22/sendiskrifstofur_opnadar_i_uganda_og_malavi/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |language=is}}

144

|{{flag|Dominica}}

|{{dts|29 June 2004}}

145

|{{flag|Belize}}

|{{dts|7 July 2004}}

146

|{{flag|Mali}}

|{{dts|23 July 2004}}

147

|{{flag|Zambia}}

|{{dts|23 July 2004}}

148

|{{flag|Papua New Guinea}}

|{{dts|12 August 2004}}

149

|{{flag|Laos}}

|{{dts|2 September 2004}}

150

|{{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}

|{{dts|10 September 2004}}

151

|{{flag|Honduras}}

|{{dts|15 September 2004}}

152

|{{flag|Bolivia}}

|{{dts|17 September 2004}}

153

|{{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}

|{{dts|24 September 2004}}

154

|{{flag|Federated States of Micronesia}}

|{{dts|27 September 2004}}

155

|{{flag|Vanuatu}}

|{{dts|27 September 2004}}

156

|{{flag|Eritrea}}

|{{dts|6 October 2004}}

157

|{{flag|Mauritania}}

|{{dts|6 October 2004}}

158

|{{flag|Palau}}

|{{dts|6 October 2004}}

159

|{{flag|Samoa}}

|{{dts|15 October 2004}}

160

|{{flag|Comoros}}

|{{dts|29 October 2004}}

161

|{{flag|Suriname}}

|{{dts|9 November 2004}}

162

|{{flag|Togo}}

|{{dts|19 November 2004}}

163

|{{flag|Republic of the Congo}}

|{{dts|15 December 2004}}

164

|{{flag|Benin}}

|{{dts|23 February 2005}}

165

|{{flag|Guyana}}

|{{dts|10 March 2005}}

166

|{{flag|Gabon}}

|{{dts|27 May 2005}}

167

|{{flag|Djibouti}}

|{{dts|19 July 2005}}

168

|{{flag|Tuvalu}}

|{{dts|26 July 2005}}

169

|{{flag|Kiribati}}

|{{dts|15 September 2005}}

170

|{{flag|Ivory Coast}}

|{{dts|14 October 2005}}

171

|{{flag|Haiti}}

|{{dts|18 November 2005}}

172

|{{flag|Tajikistan}}

|{{dts|14 February 2006}}

173

|{{flag|Brunei}}

|{{dts|27 April 2006}}

174

|{{flag|Saint Lucia}}

|{{dts|7 May 2006}}

175

|{{flag|Madagascar}}

|{{dts|21 September 2006}}

176

|{{flag|Montenegro}}

|{{dts|26 September 2006}}

177

|{{flag|Sierra Leone}}

|{{dts|13 November 2006}}

178

|{{flag|Liberia}}

|{{dts|28 November 2006}}

179

|{{flag|Burundi}}

|{{dts|14 December 2006}}

180

|{{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}

|{{dts|23 February 2007}}{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2007 |title=Diplomatic relations established between Iceland and Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://www.icelandreview.com/news/diplomatic-relations-established-between-iceland-and-democratic-republic-congo/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=Iceland Review}}

181

|{{flag|Solomon Islands}}

|{{dts|20 April 2007}}

182

|{{flag|Cameroon}}

|{{dts|19 September 2007}}

183

|{{flag|São Tomé and Príncipe}}

|{{dts|24 September 2007}}

184

|{{flag|Tonga}}

|{{dts|14 December 2007}}

185

|{{flag|Fiji}}

|{{dts|8 February 2008}}

186

|{{flag|South Sudan}}

|{{dts|29 September 2011}}

–

|{{flag|Kosovo}}

|{{dts|14 November 2011}}

–

|{{flag|State of Palestine}}

|{{dts|15 December 2011}}

187

|{{flag|Myanmar}}

|{{dts|19 December 2012}}

188

|{{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}

|{{dts|8 May 2013}}

189

|{{flag|Monaco}}

|{{dts|5 May 2014}}

–

|{{flag|Cook Islands}}

|{{dts|13 October 2017}}

Bilateral relations

Iceland's first embassy was established in Copenhagen in 1920. The second and third embassies were opened in London and Sweden in 1940. That same year, a consulate-general was installed in New York (a year later, an embassy was opened in Washington D.C.). The Icelandic foreign service grew slowly (both in terms of missions and staff) in the post-WWII period, but increased rapidly after the mid-1990s. The Icelandic foreign service is vastly smaller than those of its Nordic neighbors.

=Africa=

{{Legend|Silver|No formal diplomatic relations}}

class="wikitable sortable" border="1" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"

!width="15%"| Country

!width="12%"| Diplomatic Relations Established

!Notes

-valign="top"

|{{flag|Burkina Faso}}

2001* Burkina Faso is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.{{cite web |url=https://www.government.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=0eb3fa9f-6130-11e9-943a-005056bc4d74 |format=PDF |title=Diplomatic And Consular List |website=Ministry For Foreign Affairs Of Iceland, Department Of Protocol |place=Reykjavík |date=December 2018 |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728042250/https://www.government.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=0eb3fa9f-6130-11e9-943a-005056bc4d74 |url-status=dead }}
{{Flag|Kenya}}

|2001

|

  • Kenya is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Kampala, Uganda
{{Flag|Malawi}}

|1989

|

  • Iceland has an embassy in Lilongwe{{Cite web |title=Embassy Information |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-lilongwe/embassy-information/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=www.government.is |language=en-US}}
  • Iceland is represented in Malawi through its High Commission in London{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.malawihighcommission.co.uk/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=Malawi High Commission UK |language=en-gb}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Mauritania}}

2004*Mauritania is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

  • Iceland is represented in Mauritania by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Reykjavík.{{Cite web|url=https://www.government.is/default.aspx?pageid=1f8da4f9-4146-48d3-b5ee-bd541b5f6d90&itemid=288a0160-f204-11e7-9423-005056bc530c|title = Máritanía}}
{{Flag|Sierra Leone}}

|2006

|

  • Iceland has an embassy in Freetown{{Cite web |title=Embassy Information |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-freetown/embassy-information/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=www.government.is |language=en-US}}
{{Flag|Uganda}}

|2004

|

  • Iceland has an embassy in Kampala{{Cite web |title=Embassy Information |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-kampala/embassy-information/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=www.government.is |language=en-US}}

= Americas =

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
style="width:15%;"| Country

! style="width:12%;"| Diplomatic Relations Established

!Notes

-valign="top"

|{{flag|Canada }}

1947See Canada–Iceland relations

  • Canada has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/iceland-islande/index.aspx?lang=eng|title=Embassy of Canada|access-date=20 February 2015|date=24 November 2011}}
  • Iceland has an embassy in Ottawa and a consulate-general in Winnipeg.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/ca|title=Canada – Ottawa|website=The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001201329/https://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/ca|url-status=dead}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Dominica}}

2004*Both countries established diplomatic relations in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/un/nyc/embassy|title=Embassy|website=iceland.is|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184723/https://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/un/nyc/embassy|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}}

  • Iceland is represented in Dominica through its embassy in New York City, United States. Both countries have an agreement on cooperation on geothermal energy.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/4938 |title=Iceland and Dominica to cooperate on geothermal energy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404235311/https://www.mfa.is/news-and-publications/nr/4938 |archive-date=2016-04-04 |publisher=Iceland Ministry for Foreign Affairs}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Mexico}}

24 March 1964See Iceland–Mexico relations

  • Iceland is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington D.C., United States and maintains honorary consulates in Campeche City and in Mexico City.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/us/|title=United States – Washington DC > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218054859/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/us/|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
  • Mexico is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark and maintains an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=https://embamex2.sre.gob.mx/dinamarca/index.php/es/|title=BIENVENIDOS|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113180550/https://embamex2.sre.gob.mx/dinamarca/index.php/es/|url-status=dead}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Paraguay}}

2004*Iceland is represented in Paraguay by its embassy in Washington, United States.{{Cite web|url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-washington-d.c/embassys-jurisdiction/#Tab3|title = Úrúgvæ}}

  • Paraguay is represented in Iceland by its embassy in London, United Kingdom.{{Cite web |url=http://www2.mre.gov.py/index.php/representaciones/embajadas-del-paraguay-en-el-mundo/europa/embapar-reino-unido |title=Portal Oficial del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la República del Paraguay :: Embapar Reino Unido |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109072138/http://www2.mre.gov.py/index.php/representaciones/embajadas-del-paraguay-en-el-mundo/europa/embapar-reino-unido |url-status=dead }}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines }}

27 May 2004*Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 May 2004.{{Cite web |url=http://www.foreign.gov.vc/foreign/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264&Itemid=281 |title=Diplomatic Relations Register (2) |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Regional Integration |publisher=Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816125513/http://www.foreign.gov.vc/foreign/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264&Itemid=281 |url-status=dead }}

  • Iceland is represented in Saint-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines by its Mission to the United Nations in New York City, United States.{{Cite web |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/permanent-mission-of-iceland-to-the-united-nations/about-the-mission/ |title=About the Mission |website=Permanent Mission of Iceland to the UN |publisher=Government of Iceland}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis }}

2004Iceland is represented in Saint Kitts and Nevis by its Mission to the United Nations in New York City, United States.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|United States }}

1 July 1941See Iceland–United States relations

Iceland and the U.S. are NATO allies. The United States prides itself on being the first country to recognize the regained independence of Iceland.

  • Iceland has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and a consulate-general in New York City.
  • United States has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://iceland.usembassy.gov/|title=Home – Embassy of the United States Reykjavík, Iceland|access-date=20 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225141415/http://iceland.usembassy.gov/|archive-date=25 February 2015}}

= Asia =

{{Legend|Silver|No formal diplomatic relations}}

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
style="width:15%;"| Country

! style="width:12%;"| Diplomatic Relations Established

!Notes

-valign="top"

|{{flag|China }}

1971See China–Iceland relations

  • In May 1972, China assigned the first resident ambassador to Iceland.
  • In January 1995, Iceland set up its embassy in Beijing and assigned its first resident ambassador to China.
  • In December 1995, China resumed the practice of sending resident ambassadors to Iceland (between 1983 and 1995, the Chinese ambassador to Copenhagen, Denmark was also accredited to Iceland).
  • In April 2013 Iceland entered into a free trade agreement with China.[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/business/global/16iht-iceland16.html Iceland and China Enter a Free Trade Agreement] 15 April 2013 New York Times
  • Iceland has an honorary consulate in Hong Kong. The honorary consulate is also accredited to Macao.{{cite web |url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/cn/english/news-and-events/a-new-honorary-consul-in-hong-kong/8816/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613070207/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/cn/english/news-and-events/a-new-honorary-consul-in-hong-kong/8816 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 June 2013 |publisher=Embassy of Iceland|title=A new honorary consul in Hong Kong |date=4 April 2012}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|India }}

1972See Iceland–India relations

  • India has an embassy in Reykjavík.
  • Iceland has an embassy in New Delhi and two consulates in Mumbai and Chennai.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Iran }}

1948* Iceland is accredited to Iran from its embassy in Oslo.[http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/no/akkrediteringsland/ Akkrediteringsland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402003719/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/no/akkrediteringsland/ |date=2 April 2015 }}. Iceland.is

  • Iran is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in Oslo.{{Cite web | url=http://oslo.mfa.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=148&pageid=2623&newsview=304487 | title=بروز خطا در صفحه | access-date=9 June 2015 | archive-date=15 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415171955/http://oslo.mfa.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=148&pageid=2623&newsview=304487 | url-status=dead }}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Israel }}

May 1948See Iceland–Israel relations

  • Iceland is accredited to Israel directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maintains an honorary consulate in Tel Aviv.{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.is/diplomatic-missions/icelandic-missions|title=Government Offices of Iceland – Government.is|website=mfa.is}}
  • Israel is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in Oslo, Norway and maintains an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://embassies.gov.il/oslo/Pages/default.aspx|title=Embassy of Israel in Norway|website=embassies.gov.il}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Japan }}

8 December 1956

|See Iceland–Japan relations

  • Both countries find common interest on the matter of whaling.
  • Iceland has an embassy in Tokyo and 3 honorary consulates in Kyoto, Nagano-shi, Tokyo.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.org/jp/english/|title=English > Japan > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Japan has an embassy in Reykjavík.
  • [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/iceland/index.html Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Iceland]
-valign="top"

|{{Flag|Pakistan}}

1976Pakistan maintain cordinal diplomatic relations with Iceland.{{cite web |url=http://www.pid.gov.pk/press16-06-09.htm |title=Press Information Department (Government of Pakistan) |publisher=Pid.gov.pk |access-date=24 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306014546/http://www.pid.gov.pk/press16-06-09.htm |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}
valign="top"

|{{flag|Palestine}}

2011See Iceland–Palestine relations

On 29 November 2011, the parliament of Iceland passed a resolution that authorized the government to officially recognize the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders. Iceland was the first (and, until 2024, only) Western European country to recognise the independence of Palestine. Full diplomatic relations exist between the two states. Iceland's representative to Palestine is a non-resident based at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Reykjavík, while Palestine's ambassador to Iceland is also a non-resident based in Oslo, Norway.{{cite web|url=http://www.utanrikisraduneyti.is/frettir/nr/6846|title=Ísland viðurkennir sjálfstæði Palestínu|work=Utanríkisráðuneyti|access-date=20 February 2015}}

valign="top"

|{{Flag|Philippines}}

24 February 1999{{Main|Iceland–Philippines relations}}

Iceland has its representation in the Philippines through its embassy in Tokyo, Japan, and the Philippines' ambassador in Oslo, Norway is also accredited to Iceland; although both countries established honorary consulates in Reykjavík{{cite web|title=Contact Us|url=http://www.philembassy.no/contact|publisher=Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo|access-date=24 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323112515/http://philembassy.no/contact|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=dead}} and Makati, Metro Manila,{{cite web|title=Listi yfir alla kjörræðismenn Íslands|url=http://www.utanrikisraduneyti.is/media/utn-pdf-skjol/Listi-kjorraedismanna-2012.pdf|work=Utanríkisráðuneytið Íslands|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iceland|access-date=24 March 2013}} respectively.

-valign="top"

|{{flag|South Korea}}

 10 October 1962[http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/europe/countries/20070818/1_24616.jsp?menu=m_30_40 "Countries and Regions > Europe > List of the Countries"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224084521/http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/europe/countries/20070818/1_24616.jsp?menu=m_30_40 |date=24 December 2013 }}. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of KoreaSee Iceland–South Korea relations

  • The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Iceland and the Republic of Korea began on 10 October 1962.
  • The Republic of Iceland and the Republic of Korea relations are primarily based on cooperation over maritime issues such as whaling and bottom trawling and on bi-lateral trade in technology and fish products although there are various other ways in which the two countries interact.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Turkey}}

1957See Iceland–Turkey relations

  • Turkish Embassy in Oslo is accredited to Iceland, while the Icelandic Embassy in Copenhagen is accredited to Turkey.{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-iceland.en.mfa|title=From Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|website=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.

= Europe =

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
style="width:15%;"| Country

! style="width:12%;"| Diplomatic Relations Established

!Notes

-valign="top"

|{{flag|Albania}}

1976* Iceland is represented in Albania through its embassy in Stockholm and an honorary consulate in Tirana.{{Cite web |url=http://brunnur.mfa.is/interpro/utanr/HBvefur.nsf/Pages/IslSendiradIsl?OpenDocument&CountryNr=355&Lang=354 |title=Icelandic representation in Albania |access-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916192402/http://brunnur.mfa.is/interpro/utanr/HBvefur.nsf/Pages/IslSendiradIsl?OpenDocument&CountryNr=355&Lang=354 |archive-date=16 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}

  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
valign="top"

|{{flag|Austria }}

1928

|

  • Iceland has an embassy in Vienna.{{cite web |title=Nýtt sendiráð opnað í Vín |url=https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2001/05/30/nytt_sendirad_opnad_i_vin/ |website=www.mbl.is |language=is}}
  • Iceland is accredited to Austria from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Reykjavík.
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120220091041/http://www.bmeia.gv.at/aussenministerium/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/staatsvertraege/bilaterale-staatsvertraege.html?dv_staat=66&mode=country&submit=1&vb_vp_id=67&cHash=8cbf7538d0 Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Iceland (in German only)]
  • See also: Austrians in Iceland and Icelandics in Austria
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Belgium}}

1945* Belgium is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo and an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/embassies_and_consulates/belgian_embassies_and_consulates_abroad/|title=Addresses of Belgian Embassies and Consulates abroad|access-date=20 February 2015}}

  • Iceland has an embassy in Brussels.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be|title=Belgium > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206081242/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be/|url-status=dead}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Cyprus }}

1979*Cyprus is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.{{Cite web | url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa32_en/mfa32_en?OpenDocument |title = MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Bilateral Relations}}

  • Iceland is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.{{Cite web | url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/All/487BEFB04F5EC04FC225802900312081?OpenDocument |title = MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Cyprus – International Organizations}}
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Czech Republic }}

1993-01-01See Czech Republic–Iceland relations

  • The Czech Republic is represented in Iceland through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.
  • Iceland is represented in the Czech Republic through its embassy in Vienna (Austria) and through an honorary consulate in Prague.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Denmark }}

1918See Denmark–Iceland relations

Iceland was a part of the Kingdom of Denmark from 1814 to 1918 and a separate kingdom in a personal union with Denmark until 1944, when Iceland declared independence.

  • Denmark has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://island.um.dk|title=Danmark i Island|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Iceland has an embassy in Copenhagen and consulates-general in the Danish territories of Nuuk, Greenland and in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/dk/english/|title=English > Denmark > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817114158/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/dk/english/|archive-date=17 August 2011|url-status=dead}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Finland }}

1947See Finland–Iceland relations

  • Finland has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.finland.is/Public/Default.aspx|title=Suomen suurlähetystö, Reykjavík|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Iceland has an embassy in Helsinki.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fi/english/|title=English > Finland > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330002848/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fi/english/|archive-date=30 March 2015|url-status=dead}}
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|France }}

1945See France–Iceland relations

  • France has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-is.org/|title=Ambassade de France en Islande – Franska sendiráðið á Íslandi|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104002207/http://www.ambafrance-is.org/|url-status=dead}}
  • Iceland has an embassy in Paris.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fr/english/|title=English > France > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223235528/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fr/english|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=dead}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
-valign="top"

|{{flag|Germany }}

1952See Germany–Iceland relations

  • Iceland has an embassy in Berlin.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/de/english/|title=English > Germany > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324040956/https://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/de/english/|url-status=dead}}
  • Germany has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.reykjavik.diplo.de|title=Deutsche Botschaft Reykjavík – Startseite|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Both countries are NATO members.
  • See also: Germans in Iceland and Icelandics in Germany
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|{{flag|Greece }}

1958See Greece–Iceland relations

  • Greece is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík. Iceland is represented in Greece through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and through an honorary consulate in Athens.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Hungary}}

1955

|

Hungary is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Oslo, Norway.{{Cite web | url=https://oslo.mfa.gov.hu/eng |title = Home | Embassy of Hungary . Oslo}}

  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Ireland }}

11 March 1948

|See Iceland–Ireland relations

  • Iceland is represented in Ireland through its embassy in London (United Kingdom) and through an honorary consulate in Dublin.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.org/uk|title=United Kingdom > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522160744/http://www.iceland.org/uk/|archive-date=22 May 2011}}
  • Ireland is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Copenhagen (Denmark) and through an honorary consulate in Garðabær.{{cite web|url=http://www.embassyofireland.dk/|title=Denmark – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|author=Department of Foreign Affairs|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Both countries are full members of Council of Europe.
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|{{flag|Italy }}

1945

|

  • Iceland is accredited to Italy from its embassy in Paris.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.org/fr/english/|title=English > France > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528022208/http://www.iceland.org/fr/english/|archive-date=28 May 2011|url-status=dead}}
  • Italy is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=https://amboslo.esteri.it/ambasciata_oslo/it/|title=Ambasciata d'Italia – Oslo|website=amboslo.esteri.it}}
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, of NATO and of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
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|{{flag|Latvia }}

1991-08-22See Iceland–Latvia relations

  • Iceland was the first country to recognise the independence of Latvia in August 1991.
  • Iceland is represented in Latvia through its embassy in Helsinki (Finland).
  • Latvia is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo (Norway) and an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Lithuania }}

1991-08-05

|

  • Iceland was the first country to recognise the independence of Lithuania in February 1991.{{cite web|url=http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/2853c1a630013b44802566c8005899c8?Opendocument|title=unhchr.ch|website=unhchr.ch}}
  • Iceland is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Helsinki (Finland).{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.org/fi/english/|title=English > Finland > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525081504/http://www.iceland.org/fi/english/|archive-date=25 May 2011}}
  • Lithuania is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Copenhagen (Denmark) and 2 honorary consulates (in Mosfellsbær and Reykjavík).{{cite web|url=http://dk.mfa.lt/index.php?-292129989|title=Lietuvos Respublikos užsienio reikalų ministerija – Lietuvos Respublikos užsienio reikalų ministerija|author=Dizaino Kryptis|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, of NATO, and of the Council of Europe. There was 1.652 Lithuanians living in Iceland 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://px.hagstofa.is/pxen/pxweb/en/Ibuar/Ibuar__mannfjoldi__3_bakgrunnur__Rikisfang/MAN04203.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?rxid=33e22554-ffb8-4640-94d7-413317b6e96d|title=Population by sex, municipality and citizenship 1 January 1998-2019|access-date=6 August 2016}}
  • [http://www.urm.lt/index.php?1427592820 Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Iceland (in Lithuanian only)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930134842/http://www.urm.lt/index.php?1427592820 |date=30 September 2011 }}
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|{{flag|Netherlands}}

1946*Iceland is represented in the Netherlands by its embassy in Oslo, Norway.{{Cite web | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/iceland | title=Iceland - netherlandsandyou.nl| date=3 November 2016}}

  • The Netherlands is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.{{Cite web | url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-brussels/embassys-jurisdiction/#Tab3 |title = San Marínó}}
  • See also: Dutchs in Iceland and Icelandics in the Netherlands
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|North Macedonia}}

1993*Iceland is represented in North Macedonia through its embassy in Vienna, Austria.{{Cite web | url=http://www.mfa.gov.mk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1130:iceland&catid=124&Itemid=349&lang=en |title = Iceland}}

  • North Macedonia is represented in Iceland through its embassy in London, England,{{cite web |url=https://www.government.is/library/01-Ministries/Ministry-for-Foreign-Affairs/Myndir/Diplomatic%20list%20-%20December%202018.pdf |title=Diplomatic And Consular List |website=Ministry For Foreign Affairs Of Iceland, Department Of Protocol |place=Reykjavík |date=December 2018 |access-date=24 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231520/https://www.government.is/library/01-Ministries/Ministry-for-Foreign-Affairs/Myndir/Diplomatic%20list%20-%20December%202018.pdf |url-status=dead }} and an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.mk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1308:dkp-pk-island-rajkjavik&catid=131&Itemid=349&lang=en|title=Министерство за надворешни работи|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Norway }}

1940See Iceland–Norway relations

  • Iceland has an embassy in Oslo.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/no/|title=Norway > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208092746/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/no/|url-status=dead}}
  • Norway has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.noregur.is|title=Norge – det offisielle nettstedet på Island|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Poland }}

January 1946See Iceland–Poland relations

  • Iceland has an embassy in Warsaw.[https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-warsaw/ Embassy of Iceland in Warsaw]
  • Poland has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.reykjavik.msz.gov.pl/en/root|title=Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Reykjavik|website=reykjavik.msz.gov.pl}}
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Russia }}

1943See Iceland–Russia relations

  • Iceland has an embassy in Moscow.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/ru/english/|title=English > Russia > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329234411/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/ru/english/|archive-date=29 March 2015|url-status=dead}}
  • Russia has an embassy in Reykjavík.[http://www.iceland.mid.ru/index_e.html Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Iceland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103063400/http://www.iceland.mid.ru/index_e.html |date=3 November 2014 }} (in English)
  • Both countries have close ties in financing, which has strengthened the relations between the two.{{cite news |title=Iceland seeks Russian comfort |url=http://www.mnweekly.ru/columnists/20081010/55350499.html |quote=Russia received a similar official request late on Tuesday and the country's Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin was quoted by Interfax as saying: "We will consider it. Iceland has a reputation for strict budget discipline and has a high credit rating. We're looking favorably at the request." Negotiations on the loan are supposed to start on October 14. |work=The Moscow News |access-date=26 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531021947/http://www.mnweekly.ru/columnists/20081010/55350499.html |archive-date=31 May 2009 }} Iceland also called Russia as its "new friend" after having been turned down by its traditional allies for an emergency loan to boost the balance sheet of its second largest commercial bank.{{cite news |first= Rowena|last= Mason|title=Iceland nationalises bank and seeks Russian loan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/3154116/Financial-crisis-Iceland-nationalises-bank-and-seeks-Russian-loan.html |quote=Prime Minister Geir Haarde rushed emergency measures through the Nordic nation's parliament to nationalise Landsbanki and give the country's largest bank, Kaupthing, a £400m loan to bolster its balance sheet. |work=The Daily Telegraph |date= 7 October 2008|access-date=26 June 2009 | location=London}}
  • On August 1, 2023, Iceland suspended its embassy operations in Moscow.{{cite web |title=Iceland suspends embassy operations in Moscow |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-article/2023/06/09/Iceland-suspends-embassy-operations-in-Moscow/ |website=government.is |publisher=Government of Iceland |access-date=1 August 2023}}
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|{{flag|Serbia}}

2000*Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12291-iceland|title=Iceland|website=mfa.gov.rs|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704080516/http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12291-iceland|url-status=dead}}

  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/images/stories/bilaterala_ugovori/ICELAND.doc |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 December 2016 |archive-date=31 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231080545/http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/images/stories/bilaterala_ugovori/ICELAND.doc |url-status=dead }}
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|{{flag|Spain }}

1949See Iceland–Spain relations

  • Iceland is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France.
  • Spain is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in Oslo, Norway.
  • Both countries are full members of NATO.
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|{{flag|Sweden }}

1940See Iceland–Sweden relations

  • The governments of Iceland and Sweden signed on 23 March 1921 a joint declaration for the protection of trade marks.Text in League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. 4, pp. 138–140.
  • Iceland has an embassy in Stockholm.{{cite web|url=http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/se/|title=Sweden > The Icelandic Foreign Services|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=8 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208095324/http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/se/|url-status=dead}}
  • Sweden has an embassy in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Reykjavik/|title=Reykjavik – SwedenAbroad|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304011324/http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Reykjavik/|archive-date=4 March 2015|url-status=dead}}
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and NATO.
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|{{flag|Switzerland}}

1947*Iceland has an embassy in Geneva (which is accredited to Switzerland and to the United Nations).

  • Switzerland is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Oslo and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík
  • Both countries are members of Council of Europe and the European Free Trade Association.
  • See also: Swisses in Iceland and Icelandics in Switzerland
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|{{flag|Ukraine }}

1992

|See Iceland–Ukraine relations

  • Iceland is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland).{{cite web|url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-warsaw/embassys-jurisdiction/|title=Embassy of Iceland in Warsaw|access-date=6 May 2024}}
  • Ukraine is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Helsinki (Finland) and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.ua/finland/en/|title=Посольство України в Фінляндській Республіці та Республіці Iсландія (за сумісництвом)|access-date=20 February 2015}}
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
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|{{flag|United Kingdom }}

1940See Iceland–United Kingdom relations

Iceland established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 8 May 1940.

  • Iceland maintains an embassy in London.{{cite web |url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-london/|title=Embassy of Iceland in London|website=Government of Iceland|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606121250/https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-london/|archive-date=6 June 2024|url-status=live}}
  • The United Kingdom is accredited to Iceland through its embassy in Reykjavík.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-reykjavik|title=British Embassy Reykjavik|website=GOV.UK|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208074243/https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-reykjavik|archive-date=8 February 2024|url-status=live}}

The UK occupied Iceland from 10 May 1940 until July 1941, when the United States assumed responsibility of the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/timeline/factfiles/nonflash/a1126496.shtml|title=Fact File : Britain Garrisons Iceland|website=BBC|access-date=7 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603230322/https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/timeline/factfiles/nonflash/a1126496.shtml|archive-date=3 June 2024|url-status=live}}

The two countries have a sovereignty dispute over the Rockall Bank.

Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic co-operation pact,{{cite news|last=Politi|first=James|date=19 September 2023|title=US unveils Atlantic co-operation pact|website=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/56706df4-f39b-4ab5-8acf-b252176d172d|access-date=19 January 2024|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119085952/https://www.ft.com/content/56706df4-f39b-4ab5-8acf-b252176d172d|archive-date=19 January 2024|url-status=live}} Council of Europe, Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, OECD, OSCE, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a free trade agreement.{{cite web|last=Jayawardena|first=Ranil|date=8 July 2021|title=United Kingdom signs free trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/united-kingdom-signs-free-trade-deal-with-norway-iceland-and-liechtenstein|website=GOV.UK|access-date=22 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708140450/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/united-kingdom-signs-free-trade-deal-with-norway-iceland-and-liechtenstein|archive-date=8 July 2021|url-status=live}}

= Oceania =

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
style="width:15%;"| Country

! style="width:12%;"| Diplomatic Relations Established

!Notes

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|{{flag|New Zealand }}

1988

|

  • Iceland is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Beijing, China and maintains honorary consulates in Auckland and Nelson.[http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Embassies/2-Foreign-representatives-to-NZ/0-dip-cons-list.php Embassies] New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • New Zealand is accredited to Iceland from its embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

See also

References

{{reflist}}

Further reading

  • [https://www.routledge.com/Small-States-and-Shelter-Theory-Icelands-External-Affairs/Thorhallsson/p/book/9781138615373 Baldur Thorhallson (ed.). 2018. Small States and Shelter Theory: Iceland’s External Affairs. Routledge.]
  • [https://www.routledge.com/Iceland-and-European-Integration-On-the-Edge/THORHALLSSON/p/book/9780415406666 Baldur Thorhallsson (ed.). 2004. Iceland and European Integration: On the Edge. Routledge.]
  • Pétur J. Thorsteinsson. 1992. Utanríkisþjónusta Íslands og utanríkismál: Sögulegt Yfirlit. Rekjavík: Hið íslenska bókmenntafélag.
  • Valur Ingimundarson. 2011. The Rebellious Ally: Iceland, the United States, and the Politics of Empire 1945–2006. Dordrecht Publishing.
  • Valur Ingimundarson. 2002. Uppgjör við umheiminn. Reykjavík: Vaka-Helgafell.
  • Valur Ingimundarson. 1996. Í eldlínu kalda stríðsins. Reykjavík: Vaka-Helgafell.

External links

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20090208022139/http://www.iceland.org/ Icelandic Foreign Service] Iceland's embassies and missions abroad
  • (in Icelandic) [https://www.stjornarradid.is/raduneyti/utanrikisraduneytid/sogulegt-yfirlit/ Historical overview by Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • [http://www.mfa.is/ Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20070312233708/http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/iceland/intro/index.htm European Commission > The EU's relations with Iceland]
  • {{in lang|is}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20070607180520/http://www.evropa.is/ The Icelandic European Movement (favours Icelandic EU membership)]
  • {{in lang|is}} [http://www.heimssyn.is Heimssýn, the cross-political organisation of Icelandic eurosceptics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403084022/http://www.heimssyn.is/ |date=3 April 2007 }}

;Foreign representations in Iceland

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20060215143123/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/iceland/menu-en.asp Canadian Embassy in Iceland]
  • [http://reykjavik.usembassy.gov United States Embassy in Reykjavík] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719123044/http://reykjavik.usembassy.gov/ |date=19 July 2008 }}

{{Foreign relations of Iceland}}

{{Foreign relations of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Foreign Relations Of Iceland}}