On May 19, Ambassador He Rulong visited China-Iceland Arctic Science Observatory (CIAO). Ambassador He met with Chairman Knútur Jónasson of the municipal council of Þingeyjarsveit at the city hall. Then, Chairman Knútur Jónasson accompanied Ambassador He on a visit to the CIAO, which is located in his municipality, together with Mr. Arnór Bónonysson, a board member of the Arctic Observatory (AO) responsible for the construction and operation of the Observatory.

Ambassador He congratulated Chairman Jónasson and his party on winning a majority of seats in the city council in the local elections held on the 16th, and stated that the exchanges between localities constitute an important part of China-Iceland relations. The Chinese Embassy is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Þingeyjarsveit, with a view to encouraging the observatory to serve as a bridge between China and Iceland, and to play to the fullest its role in conducting scientific research, and creating economic and social benefits to the local community.

Chairman Jónasson and Mr. Bónonysson respectively briefed on the tourism sector in Þingeyjarsveit and the future development plans of the observatory. They maintained that the observatory would be conducive to advancing Iceland-China scientific cooperation, providing education and outreach to the general public, and promoting the growth of local tourism.