Monday, May 30 2005 11:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Reykjavik: President A P J Abdul Kalam today (May 30, 2005) held wide-ranging discussions with the business community of Iceland to give a boost to trade ties between the two countries.

Kalam, who is the first Indian head of the State on a State visit to Iceland, showed keen interest in the earthquake prediction system and geothermal power generation technology of the country.

The President during his discussions with the businessmen also exhibited interest in deep-sea fishing method.

The official-level talks between the two sides will be held today during which discussions on Air Service Agreement and foreign office consultation were likely to be held.

The high-level delegation of the President comprises Minister of State for Overseas Affairs Jagdish Tytler and Parliament members N P Durga and Milind Deora, youngest member of the team.

Iceland has been supportive of India's claim for a permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It was the first among the Nordic countries to extend support to India for UNSC.

During the delegation-level talks, the two sides would focus on the decreasing trade, which has come down from $ 36.48 million in 2002 to $ 17.31 million in year 2004.

The Iceland President would be hosting an official dinner for Kalam today before giving him a ceremonial reception.

There were no high-level visits between India and Iceland till President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson paid the first ever State visit to India in October 2000.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, as leader of Opposition, had visited Iceland as a guest of the Iceland President during a private visit in June 2001.