HM The King’s speech at the state banquet on the occasion of the State Visit from Iceland

Her Majesty the Queen and I are delighted to welcome President Halla Tómasdottir and Mr Skúlason to Sweden.

We are also very pleased that this State Visit is taking place at the start of President Tómasdottir’s first electoral period.

Madam President,

You are the fifth Icelandic Head of State I have had the pleasure of meeting, and the fourth Icelandic President I have welcomed to Sweden. My first State Visit to Iceland was in 1975.

Honoured guests,

Iceland and Sweden have mutual values. Our countries safeguard democracy, human rights and gender equality.

One year ago, we began a new chapter in our relationship when Sweden joined NATO. We are now not only friends, neighbours, and partners – we are also Allies. Nordic and Nordic-Baltic cooperation is strong, and we work closely together in the Arctic Council and the UN. Sweden also values Iceland’s close dialogue with the EU regarding security and defence.

Our countries stand united in our support of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion is causing the Ukrainian people great suffering and threatens our freedom and security. It is vital for the sake of the whole world that we continue to support Ukraine.

Madam President,

Our historic links stretch back over a thousand years. As we gather here today, we reflect on the deep and enduring friendship between our two countries.

We signed our first bilateral trade agreement in 1826, nearly 200 years ago, and this year we celebrate 85 years of diplomatic relations.

Our academic cooperation dates back to 1772, when Swedish botanist Daniel Solander undertook a scientific expedition to Iceland. Today, Sweden is Iceland’s second largest research partner. And Swedish language courses have been held at Icelandic universities for 90 years.

I have always been fascinated by the power and beauty of the Icelandic language. One particular memory of mine is from President Eldjárn’s State Visit to Sweden in 1971 when I was allowed to accompany my grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf, on a trip to Birka. My grandfather and the President were archaeologists, so it really was a fitting destination! There, “Run-Janne”, a renowned runologist, impressed us by guiding in word-perfect Icelandic. I could practically feel the wings of history and the strong presence of our shared heritage and the language that was likely to have been spoken in Birka more than a thousand years ago.

Madam President,

In my speech I do not have the opportunity to name all of Iceland’s prominent authors, film producers, actors and other cultural personalities. But I am pleased that some of them are here with us this evening.

Speaking of culture, it was 70 years ago that Icelandic author Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. In his acceptance speech he expressed his happiness at being born into “a nation so steeped in centuries of poetry and literary tradition.”And his gratitude over the old Icelandic saga writers, who “while their hearts remained warm, they held on to their pens.” His words remind us of how deeply literature can hold generations together and empower both individuals and nations.

Madam President and Mr Skúlason,

Relations between Iceland and Sweden are strong. We share not only a history but also a cordial friendship. At a challenging time for the world, it is more important than ever to stand united and retain faith in the future.

I think that this verse from Havamal expresses it so wonderfully:

“If you have a friend whom you know is faithful and willing to help, open your mind, exchange gifts and visit them often.”

Her Majesty the Queen and I look forward to productive days together and even closer cooperation between Iceland and Sweden in the future.

For you, Madam President, for Iceland, for the ties between our countries and people, I propose a toast.