On May 5, Ambassador He Rulong met with Mayor Iris Robersdottir of Vestmannaeyjar.

    Ambassador He said that Vestmannaeyjar plays an important role in the history of friendly interactions between China and Iceland. When Vestmannaeyjar was hit by a volcano eruption in 1973, China provided assistance immediately, which showcased the friendship towards the Icelandic people. In 2019, two female beluga whales from Shanghai landed at their new home in Vestmannaeyjar, further strengthening the relationship between the two sides. The embassy is willing to continue to cooperate with Vestmannaeyjar in people-to-people exchange, tourism and other sectors to further promote the friendship between the two peoples.

    Mayor Iris Robersdottir welcomed Ambassador He to visit her city and gave a detailed introduction of the current situation of the beluga whale protection project and Vestmannaeyjar's distinctive tourism. She expressed her hope to further strengthen the relationship and cooperation with the embassy.

    Ambassador He Rulong also visited the Sea Life Trust to learn about the living conditions of the two beluga whales in Iceland, and met with representatives of Chinese community in Vestmannaeyjar.