The Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are known for their rugged landscape, rich marine resources, and Viking heritage, and hold a strategic position in the North Atlantic, especially from the perspectives of security and climate change. The Faroe Islands have a relationship with Japan based on sustainable resource management. Although small in size, the Faroe Islands are rich in marine resources and will maintain its commitment to international cooperation as it navigates the challenges of climate change, security, and economic development.

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are known for their rugged landscape, rich marine resources, and Viking heritage. Spanning 18 islands with a combined land area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers, the Faroes have a significant maritime presence, with a 200-nautical-mile exclusive fisheries and economic zone. This vast ocean territory is central to the Faroese economy, culture, and identity. The Faroe Islands have a population of around 55,000 people, who speak Faroese, a language derived from Old Norse, and enjoy a high degree of autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Faroe Islands hold a strategic position in the North Atlantic, particularly in the context of security and climate change. The islands are situated at a critical point where the cold Arctic waters meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic, creating a rich environment for marine life. This confluence is vital for global ocean currents and climate regulation. Any disruption to this natural "pump" due to climate change could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Arctic region and beyond.
The Faroe Islands are also strategically significant in terms of security. The GIUK gap (Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom), a naval choke point, is critical for monitoring and controlling maritime traffic in the North Atlantic. Given the current geopolitical tensions, the location of the Faroe Islands has gained increased importance for NATO and its allies.
Despite our small size, the Faroe Islands actively participate in various international forums to address global challenges. We have diplomatic representations in key cities, including Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Reykjavik, Moscow, Beijing, Tel Aviv, and Washington. We are committed to upholding international law and treaties, especially those concerning ocean management, climate change, and security. Our decision to remain outside the European Union while maintaining our own trade and fishing agreements underscores our determination to manage our maritime resources and engage independently in global matters.

The relationship between the Faroe Islands and Japan is characterized by mutual respect and shared interests as island nations, particularly in ocean policy and sustainable resource management. Both nations have strong maritime traditions and a deep connection to the sea. We appreciate Japan's role as an observer in the Arctic Council and their participation in the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO), which focuses on the sustainable use of marine resources, including small whales.
Culturally, the Faroe Islands have sought to strengthen ties with Japan through various initiatives. For instance, cultural exchanges, such as film screenings and development of Faroese-Japanese dictionaries, have facilitated better communication and understanding between our peoples. Economically, the Faroe Islands are keen to expand trade relations with Japan. The Faroese economy is heavily reliant on marine resources, with fish and aquaculture products constituting approximately 90% of our exports. Our islands are known for high-quality seafood, particularly salmon, which we claim to be some of the world’s finest. By fostering closer economic ties, both the Faroe Islands and Japan can benefit from increased trade and collaboration in marine research and sustainable practices.
The Faroe Islands and Japan have already signed a Memorandum of Cooperation focusing on research, education, culture, tourism, trade, and climate change. This agreement sets a framework to create concrete steps toward enhancing bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The sustainable management of marine resources is a cornerstone of the Faroese economic and environmental policy. The Faroe Islands have a long tradition of fishing and whaling, practices deeply embedded in our culture and economy. We emphasize the importance of scientific data and international cooperation to ensure that these activities are sustainable and do not harm marine ecosystems.
The Faroese approach to whaling, particularly the hunting of pilot whales, is often a point of contention internationally. However, we defend this practice as sustainable, noting that it provides essential resources with minimal environmental impact. The Faroese method of whaling, which involves no commercial trade and distributes the catch among the community, serves as a model of sustainable resource use.
Tourism is an emerging sector in the Faroese economy, contributing around 6% to the export value. The islands are marketed as an unexplored and pristine destination, appealing not only to eco-tourists and adventure seekers but also big city tourists looking for a unique escape. However, the influx of tourists poses challenges to the fragile natural environment and local communities. To address these challenges, the Faroese Parliament have adopted a Law on Sustainable Tourism. This law empowers local communities to regulate the number of tourists, ensuring that tourism development is balanced with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The revenue generated from tourism is reinvested into protecting nature and supporting local economies, aiming to create a sustainable and regenerative tourism industry.

Though the Faroe Islands may be small in population and landmass, our role on the global stage is significant due to our location, vast ocean territory, rich marine resources, and commitment to international cooperation. The relationship between the Faroe Islands and Japan exemplifies how island nations, despite being separated by great distances yet facing similar challenges, can work together on shared interests such as sustainable resource management and cultural exchange. As we navigate the challenges of climate change, security, and economic development, the Faroe Islands will continue to emphasize the importance of international cooperation, which includes strengthening our ties with nations like Japan.