The Ministry for Foreign Affairs' main areas of responsability are:

• Foreign Relations
• External Trade
• Security and Defence
• Development Cooperation

The Icelandic Government's manifesto expresses support for increased liberalisation of international trade, for Iceland to be in the forefront in the campaign against pollution of the seas and in international efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, respect for human rights, development cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes are defined as cornerstones of Iceland´s foreign policy.

The Government has emphasised the importance of dynamic international co-operation based on the principles of international law and repsonsible participation in international collaboration based on Iceland´s three principal strengths:

• Experience in the sustainable use of marine resources
• Experience in the use of renewable energy sources
• Important historical milestones in the campaign for gender equality

See further:

• Iceland and Nordic Cooperation
• Iceland and Europe
• The High North
• Iceland's Export Control System
• Sanctions
• Reports on foreign policy to Althingi (the Parliament of Iceland):

The Minister for Foreign Affairs presents the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy in Althingi (the Parliament of Iceland). The presentation is followed by a debate in Althingi. See links below: