Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Icelandic President Halla Tomasdottir in Beijing on Tuesday, underscoring growing diplomatic and economic ties between China and Nordic nations. The meeting coincided with Tomasdottir's participation in the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, highlighting shared commitments to gender equity in policymaking.
Xi emphasized China's willingness to deepen cooperation with Iceland in geothermal energy development, Arctic research, and sustainable tourism – sectors where Iceland holds global expertise. Tomasdottir acknowledged China's role in addressing climate challenges and expressed interest in expanding trade of Icelandic seafood and renewable technology.
The leaders also discussed cultural exchanges, with Xi noting that "mutual understanding between our peoples forms the bedrock of bilateral relations." The talks concluded with agreements to streamline visa processes for business travelers and academic researchers.
This diplomatic engagement follows China's recent efforts to strengthen partnerships with European countries outside traditional EU power centers, offering new opportunities for investors eyeing green energy initiatives across Asia and Europe.
