Iceland was invited to the fishing forum in St. Petersburg.

At the meeting with the Head of Rosrybolovstvo Ilya Shestakov, the Ambassador of Iceland in Russia said that the island nation’s companies are exploring the possibilities of joint projects in the industry. The Head of the Department invited the foreign representatives to the fishing forum in St. Petersburg. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery Ilya Shestakov held a meeting with Sigridur Berglind Asgeirsdottir, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to the Russian Federation. "We attach great importance to the cooperation between our countries in the field of fisheries, including through agreements signed by Russia and Iceland in 1999 and 2000," said the head of the Rosrybolovstvo. He recalled that the 17th Session of the Joint Russian-Icelandic Fisheries Commission took place in late December. "We are seeking that the Russian fishermen could catch part of the quota in the zone of Iceland while the Russian side provides an opportunity for Icelandic fishermen to catch cod in its fishing zone", said Ilya Shestakov. The Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery noted the importance of development of cooperation on Arctic issues and collaboration within international fisheries organizations (NEAFC and NAFO), including joint research. At the meeting, special attention was paid to the regulation of the fisheries for Atlantic salmon. "We show consideration for the initiatives of the Icelandic side. We also see the risks associated with the catches of Atlantic salmon in certain areas of Norway," said Ilya Shestakov. In addition, the Russian side treats with caution the plans to expand the aquaculture production of salmon in Norway in light of the threat of mixing of wild and artificial populations and the development of veterinary problems. The Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery and the Ambassador paid attention to the prospects of cooperation in educational and investment sectors. In particular, the Icelandic side is discussing with the Murmansk State Technical University and Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography the possibility to start the educational project associated with the study and implementation of advanced industry technologies. Sigridur Berglind Asgeirsdottir noted Iceland's interest in increasing the investment activity in Russia. "Our companies are studying the possibilities of implementing joint projects, primarily in the fishing industry", said the Ambassador. In this regard, Ilya Shestakov invited the Icelandic side to take part in the main Russian economic forums, as well as in the international exhibition "fish industry" and the first "Russian fishing forum" which will be held in St. Petersburg from 14 to 16 September 2017.