Madam President,
We were delighted to welcome you in London last July for the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. But your visit this week is the first official one by an Icelandic Head of State to Britain since 1963 for 19 years. Far too long a gap.
As the first woman Prime Minister of this country, it gives me special pleasure to welcome you—the first democratically elected woman Head of State in the world. [end p1]
But then, Iceland has always been a pioneer of democracy. Your Parliament, the Althing, had been sitting for centuries before our own mother of Parliaments first met. Women in Iceland gained the vote some ten years before women here.
Our two countries are linked by history, trade, tourism and political ideals.
The Icelandic/Viking contribution to British history and culture is well documented. It was the subject last year both of an exhibition and of lively controversy in the columns of The Times: [end p2] were the Vikings great saints or great sinners?
Whatever your answer to that question, we can all agree that the Icelanders were great poets. The Sagas are among the great monuments of European civilisation.
We have been one of your three most important trading partners for many years. And looking back, we shall never forget that during the Second World War Iceland played a vital part in helping to keep the sea lanes open and the UK supplied with fish. Many Icelanders lost their lives doing so. [end p3]
I like to think that Britain stood as godparent at the birth of the Republic in 1944—when we sent troops to prevent a German invasion.
Your country has been good enough not to hold this occupation against us. You now welcome British travellers in increasing numbers. Attracted by your scenery, bird-life and salmon fishing. Among them, the Prince of Wales, the first Royal visitor to call on you in 1980 after your inauguration. [end p4]
Britain greatly values the Icelandic contribution to the security of the Western community. Iceland has accepted the responsibility imposed by her crucial geo-strategic position and has proved a key member of the North Atlantic Alliance. We and you share the same values and ideals and pursue the same objectives:
World peace, the rule of law and international trade and cooperation.
As you yourself said, Madam President, in your inauguration speech: [end p5] “We are all, as citizens of the world, duty bound to contribute to our utmost ability to the continuing progress of the spirit of humanity” .