Finland and Iceland prepare stronger defence and business ties
Sunday 13th September 2026 on 22:30 in
Iceland
Finland’s ambassador to Iceland says the two countries are preparing to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen business ties, mbl.is reported. Ville Cantell linked the increased focus to Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir’s visit to Finland and the signing of a bilateral defence cooperation declaration.
“Now we intend to take the next steps,” Cantell said, adding that new opportunities had opened since all the Nordic countries became members of NATO.
He pointed to the participation of all the Nordic countries in NATO’s forward-deployed land forces that will operate in Finland under Swedish leadership.
A Finnish delegation will visit Iceland next week to meet Icelandic companies and discuss business ties and cooperation. More than 40 Finnish companies expressed strong interest in the initiative, and 10 companies from a range of industries will meet Icelandic businesses and government representatives on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The visit will begin with a seminar organised in cooperation with Business Iceland, followed by a so-called speed-dating event at Gróska on Tuesday. The participating companies will introduce themselves and their main areas of focus as they seek to build connections and explore potential cooperation.
Cantell said it was important to focus on Nordic companies in an increasingly uncertain international environment. He mentioned satellites and related technology, an area in which Finland is among the world’s leading countries.
“I have also been very impressed by the excellent work Icelanders are doing in many fields, and I believe strong business cooperation between the two countries, and among all the Nordic countries, will make them stronger together under NATO,” he said.
On Wednesday, the delegation will visit the Icelandic Coast Guard to learn about its operations. It will also have the opportunity to sail aboard the newest rescue vessel, Unnur, which was built by the Finnish company Kewatech, one of the companies taking part in the visit.
The vessel was delivered to the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue last week.