THE First Minister will focus on building closer links with northern neighbours when she arrives in Iceland for a two-day visit.
Nicola Sturgeon is due to deliver a keynote addresses at the Arctic Circle Assembly on Friday.
Issues such as climate change and economic collaboration will be highlighted during the trip, which also includes meetings with Iceland’s President Guoni Th. Johannesson, and Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The assembly, held annually in Reykjavik, brings together around 2,000 delegates from 50 countries to discuss the development and protection of the Arctic region.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Climate change is clearly an issue that affects us all, and is a policy area where Scotland is helping to lead the way internationally.
“And the impact of climate change on the Arctic and the wider region, of which we are an important part, is being increasingly felt.
“That is why Scotland will continue to work with others and share internationally our low carbon expertise.
“There is much Scotland can gain by looking north, and we also have knowledge and insight to share with our neighbours in the region.”
She added: “As we face the growing threat of an economically damaging extreme Brexit, it is more vital than ever that we seek to build strong international links, and I am determined to do all I can to build consensus with like-minded nations.”
The visit follows Ms Sturgeon’s appearance at the assembly last year, where she announced a new link-up between Scottish and Icelandic tourism bodies.
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