Iceland to open enbassy in New Delhi on Feb 26

London, Feb 25 (UNI) Iceland will open its embassy in New Delhi on Feb 26, 2006.

A high-power trade delegation, led by the Minister of Education and Culture Thorgerdur KatrÍn Gunnarsdóttir, is flying to India for the occasion.

The 41-year-old minister will represent Foreign Minister Geir H Haarde, who withdrew from the delegation at the last minute due to a tragedy in the family.

The mission in New Delhi is being consdered as a potential base for Iceland's operations in South Asia.

The 35-member trade delegation includes members from the country's pharmaceutical, IT, financial and fisheries sectors.

During the stay, the delegation will travel to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bangalore.

Iceland hopes to sign a transport and air service agreement with India soon. Officials sources said, the two countries could develop possible cooperation in earthquake monitoring as scientists in Iceland are pioneering in earthquake predictions. There could be possible cooperation in the geo-thermal and fisheries sectors.

A pharmaceutical company from Iceland, Actavis already has bases in India, namely Ahmedabad. Iceland is also supporting India's request for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and is seeking India's support for its efforts for a non-permanemt seat.

UNI