Relations hit rock bottom: Iceland closes embassy in Russia

Iceland has decided to close its embassy in Moscow due to the relations between the two countries are "at an all-time low," as stated by the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The closure of the embassy is not a complete break in diplomatic relations, and Iceland plans to resume its activities there when conditions permit.

"The decision to suspend the operations of the Embassy of Iceland in Moscow does not constitute a severance of diplomatic relations. As soon as conditions permit, Iceland will prioritize the resumption of operations of the Embassy of Iceland in Moscow," the statement says.

It is worth noting that the Icelandic embassy in Moscow represented Iceland in its relations not only with Russia but also with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Henceforth, representation with these countries will be conducted through the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Reykjavik.

Russia-Iceland diplomatic relations

Currently, commercial, cultural, and political relations with Russia are at an all-time low, justifying the decision to close the embassy in Moscow. Iceland has maintained an embassy in Moscow since 1944, except for the period from 1951 to 1953 when there was no trade between the countries. The Soviet Union did not have an ambassador in Reykjavik from 1948 to 1954.