01.06.2004 · The Government

The Prime Minister has held talks with the political leaders from Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles

The Prime Minister of the Faroes Jóannes Eidesgaard has today held talks with the Convener from the Western Isles, Mr Alex Macdonald, the Convener from the Orkney Islands, Mr Stephen Hagan, and the Convener from the Shetland Islands, Mr Sandy Cluness, where they have signed a joint statement.

The Prime Minister of the Faroes Jóannes Eidesgaard has today held talks with the Convener from the Western Isles, Mr Alex Macdonald, the Convener from the Orkney Islands, Mr Stephen Hagan, and the Convener from the Shetland Islands, Mr Sandy Cluness, where they have signed a joint statement.

Joint Statement

To strengthen ties and cooperation between the Faroes, the Western Isles, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands the Prime Minister of the Faroes, Mr Jóannes Eidesgaard extended an invitation to the Convener from the Western Isles, Mr Alex Macdonald, the Convener from the Orkney Islands, Mr Stephen Hagan, and the Convener from the Shetland Islands, Mr Sandy Cluness to visit the Faroes during the period of 1 and 2 June 2004.

The four political leaders met in Tinganes, Tórshavn on 1 June 2004 to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation and strengthening ties in the future.

The parties identified potential areas for cooperation and ways of developing these to the mutual benefit of all sides. All sides expressed their sincere interest in seeing relations between the Faroes, the Western Isles, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands strengthened.

During the meeting the parties identified the following areas of mutual interest:

• Fisheries resources and management
• Aquaculture
• Oil exploration and exploitation
• Infrastructure, particularly transport
• Culture and sport
• Renewable energy

The parties also discussed other issues of importance in the region, including the marine environment and tourism.
In order to pursue and facilitate their intentions for enhanced cooperation, the parties agreed to meet again next year, and welcomed the offer of the Western Isles to host the next meeting.

Tórshavn, 1 June 2004

Jóannes Eidesgaard, Prime Minister 
Faroes  

Alex Macdonald, Convener  
Western Isles

Sandy Cluness, Convener   
Shetland Islands

Stephen Hagan, Convener
Orkney Islands