On October 17, Iceland¡¯s President Thomas Dottil said in a speech at the Shanghai Central European International Institute of Industry and Business that the relations between the two countries have been ¡°long-time friendly and constructive¡± and have ¡°more common points¡± in addressing global challenges such as climate and energy transition.

¡°30 years ago, Iceland¡¯s first female president came to Beijing to attend the Women¡¯s World Conference; 30 years later, I also came here to witness the deepening of the relationship between the two countries,¡± Thomas Dottil said, ¡°Iceland is the first Western country to recognize China¡¯s market economy status and the first European country to sign a free trade agreement with China, the relationship between the two countries is based on mutual trust and openness.¡±

Tomasdottir said that although Iceland is a small country and China is a big country, the two countries have more in common in green energy, sustainable development and other fields than imagined. China has long-term and excellent planning capabilities, while Iceland has accumulated rich experience in geothermal energy and clean energy innovation. The cooperation between the two countries is complementary. "As long as they make good use of their respective advantages, they can contribute to global sustainable development."

Tomasdottir further pointed out that the climate and environmental crisis is an urgent challenge facing the world. "The joint response between Ice and China will not only benefit both sides, but also benefit the whole world." She mentioned that the geothermal energy project of Ice and China joint venture has provided clean heating and cooling services for millions of people. "This is not only a commercial achievement, but also a manifestation of the two countries' joint efforts to deal with the climate crisis."

During his visit to Shanghai, Thomas Dottil also attended the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference and witnessed the signing of the Green Methanol Project Cooperation Agreement with Iceland¡¯s Carbon Cycle International.

In her speech at the conference, she specifically mentioned the cultural resonance between the two countries: ¡°There is a concept of ¡®the unity of God¡¯ in China, which means harmony between man and nature. This is very similar to the Nordic idea ¨C to live with nature, not against nature. Only through such wisdom can we create a real future.¡±

Thomas Doddil also visited the Shanghai Gardens and spoke with people with smiles and affection. In recent years, Iceland has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Industry data showed that during this year's National Day Mid-Autumn holiday, European outbound travel orders grew significantly, with Iceland growing significantly.

Thomas Doddil said that Chinese tourists are the largest of all foreign tourists in Iceland and welcomed the Chinese people to Iceland to feel the natural charm of the ¡°land of ice and fire¡±.

Tomasdottir arrived in Shanghai after attending the Global Women's Summit in Beijing. This is her first visit to China since taking office as Icelandic president. In the early morning of the 18th, Tomasdottir and his party will leave Shanghai to end their several-day trip to China. (Reporter Tang Siqi)