News Release Archive
PREMIER--PRESIDENTIAL VISIT ----------------------------------------------------------------- Premier John Savage today announced the Visit to Canada of Her Excellency Vigdis Finnbogadottir, President of the Republic of Iceland, May 14-16. While in Nova Scotia, President Finnbogadottir will receive an honorary doctorate of civil law from Saint Mary's University. Other highlights of the visit include the inaugural flight of Icelandair into Halifax and a tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg. Included in the official delegation accompanying President Finnbogadottir are Iceland's Foreign Affairs Minister Halldor Asgrimsson and the country's ambassador to the United States and Canada, Einar Benediktsson. Premier Savage said, "Nova Scotia is honored to have Her Excellency visit the province, as we enter a new era of trade, business and cultural opportunities with Iceland." The president's visit comes at a time when Iceland and Nova Scotia have developed a coordinated marketing effort. Diversification of the Icelandic economy into manufacturing, processing, service and marine industries makes Nova Scotia an attractive trading partner for Iceland. Currently 31 Nova Scotia companies actively export to Iceland. Ninety business people from the province will participate in Icebreaker 96, a reverse marketplace comprised of an outbound inaugural program in Reykjavik from May 21-24. Business and tourism partners will participate in a trade and travel show, business seminars and site visits aimed at developing trade partnerships and promoting Nova Scotia as a destination. "With Nova Scotia becoming the Canadian gateway for Iceland, we look forward to building new trading partners throughout Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark," Premier Savage said. President Finnbogadottir is scheduled to arrive in Halifax Tuesday evening, May 14, and depart for Iceland Thursday night, May 16. -30- Contact: Miriam Murray 902-424-2983 NOTE TO EDITORS: There is an acute accent over the second "i" in Her Excellency's first name (Vigdis), and over the second "o" in her last name (Finnbogadottir). trp May 09, 1996 - 5:10 p.m.