BRATISLAVA/ REYKJAVIK, September 20, (WEBNOVINY) – Slovakia fully supports Iceland’s aspirations to join the European Union, President Ivan Gasparovic announced in Reykjavik after holding talks with President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. Iceland, part of the Schengen zone, applied to be admitted to the EU on July 27, 2010. Grimsson declared that most of the population does not perceive the potential entry to the bloc positively and attributed this view to the consequences of the financial crisis, which deprived the citizens of their savings in Icelandic banks.
The aim of the first visit of any Slovak president to Iceland is to intensify bilateral dialogue. Gasparovic is convinced that the two states have great potential for stronger cooperation in the economy and trade, culture and education. The Slovak president stated that our country is particularly interested in Iceland’s experience in the use of geothermal energy and other alternative sources. The know-how could help Slovakia increase the portion of renewable energy sources and foster local energy security. Grimsson added that up to ninety percent of households in Iceland use geothermal energy for heating.
SITA