Russian Foreign Ministry reacted to Iceland’s decision to lower the level of diplomatic relations

Iceland’s decision to lower the level of diplomatic relations with Russia destroys “the whole complex of Russian-Icelandic cooperation”, curled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, promising an appropriate reaction to the anti-Russian actions of Reykjavik.

“The decision taken by the Icelandic authorities to lower the level of diplomatic relations with Russia destroys the entire range of Russian-Icelandic cooperation, which has traditionally been based on mutual respect and multifaceted cooperation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On June 9, it became known that the Embassy of Iceland in Moscow suspend their work from 1 August. The summoned Russian ambassador was informed of the decision that day. At the same time, Iceland asked Russia to limit the activities of its embassy in Reykjavik and reduce the level of diplomatic representation. The embassy noted that the decision to suspend work in Moscow is not a break in diplomatic relations.

“As you know, the Russian Federation made an important contribution to the formation of a sovereign Icelandic state, one of the first to recognize its independence, did a lot to protect the interests of Iceland in difficult times for the Icelandic people,” the Foreign Ministry noted today.

The Russian ministry stressed that the responsibility for such a development of the situation lies entirely with the Icelandic side. The Russian Foreign Ministry will take this “unfriendly decision” into account when building further ties with Iceland. The agency also promised an appropriate response to Reykjavik’s anti-Russian actions.