President Atsushi Sunami of the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF) received a courtesy visit from H.E. Ms. Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education, Science and Culture of Iceland, on May 15, 2019.

In the discussions, the two sides recognized the importance of promoting cooperation for Arctic policy and scientific research that reflects the strengths of Japan and Iceland, and exchanged information regarding the Arctic Science Ministerial Meeting and Arctic Circle Regional Forum expected to be held in Japan in 2020, discussing future plans for these meetings. Furthermore, both sides shared the view to continue close relations between OPRI-SPF and Iceland regarding Arctic policy research.

OPRI-SPF will continue its research activities on the Arctic region in an effort to contribute to the further advancement of Japan’s Arctic policies.