Iceland has made the decision to suspend the operations of its embassy in Moscow starting from August 1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland has determined that it is no longer viable for the small foreign service of Iceland to maintain an embassy in Russia due to the current situation.
This decision was not taken lightly, as Iceland has enjoyed a strong relationship with the people of Russia since gaining independence in 1944. However, the country hopes that future conditions will allow for normal and fruitful relations with Russia, depending on decisions made by the Kremlin, said Iceland Foreign Minister, Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir.
In line with Article 11 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Iceland has also requested that Russia limit the operations of its Embassy in Reykjavík and lower the level of diplomatic representation. Iceland prioritizes the locations of its eighteen bilateral embassies based on economic, political, and cultural ties, as well as development cooperation.
At present, commercial, cultural, and political relations with Russia are at an all-time low. Consequently, maintaining the embassy of Iceland in Moscow is no longer justifiable. Iceland has had an embassy in Moscow since 1944, with the exception of the years between 1951 and 1953 when trade between the countries was nonexistent. The Soviet Union did not have an ambassador in Reykjavík from 1948 to 1954.
It is important to note that the decision to suspend the operations of the embassy in Moscow does not sever diplomatic relations. As soon as conditions permit, Iceland intends to prioritize the resumption of embassy operations in Moscow.
