merrion street

Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton T.D., is in Reykjavik to engage with counterparts on Iceland's EU accession in advance of our Presidency of the European Union in 2013. During the two day visit Minister Creighton will meet the Icelandic Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Stefan H. Johnnesson and the Foreign Minister Mr. Ossur Skarpheoinsson. The Minister will also use the opportunity to discuss Ireland's economic situation and the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

Speaking in Reykjavik Minister Creighton said: "There is much to link Ireland and Iceland. We are both small export led economies and we have both, unfortunately, felt the full effects of the economic crisis. But, in our own different ways, we both continue to make great strides in overcoming these difficulties."

She continued: "Ireland and Iceland enjoy a robust and friendly bilateral relationship. We have been, and will continue to be, a supporter of enlargement and I very much look forward to the concluding of Iceland's negotiations."

Minister Creighton addressed staff and students at the University of Reykjavik this morning. Tomorrow she will meet key parliamentarians, media representatives and address the Icelandic Association of Women Entrepreneurs.