Intergovernmental Affairs Minister meets with representatives of  North Atlantic communities

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel met with a number of political leaders, representatives of the Nordic Council of Ministers and other members of the North Atlantic community in Reykjavik, Iceland last week to promote North Atlantic relations.

"The Nordic Council sponsored meetings to discuss how societies of the North Atlantic can work together more effectively to further common interests," Mr. Noel said. "We specifically dealt with issues of ocean management for sustainable utilization; challenges facing northern, island, and coastal communities; distance teaching; health care delivery in remote areas; transportation challenges; preserving and promoting our significant cultural and heritage identities; cooperation in tourism development; and possibilities for future initiatives."

Minister Noel took advantage of the opportunity to promote the Viking! 1000 Years celebrations taking place next year, which the province is planning in conjunction with Iceland, Greenland and other participating jurisdictions. "This is a very important component of our tourism marketing for 2000. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to profile our plans and encourage support and participation," the minister said.

The minister also used the opportunity to tell participants about the North Atlantic Forum 2000 which will be taking place in Corner Brook from September 24-27, 2000. This will be a major international conference co-sponsored by Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic, with the support of the Federation of Municipalities, the Federation of Labour, HRDC, and the provincial departments of Education and Development and Rural Renewal. The purpose of North Atlantic Forum 2000 is to develop innovative approaches to economic development at the community, regional, and national levels around the periphery of the North Atlantic.

The meetings in Reykjavik were attended by representatives of Norway, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Paula Dyke, (709) 729-0329.

1999 12 14               3:15 p.m.