The Faroe Islands and the UK have signed a fisheries framework agreement. This follows the UK’s framework agreement reached with Norway in September.
The agreement was signed by Faroese Fisheries Minister Jacob Vestergaard and UK ambassador to Denmark Emma Hopkins, with UK fisheries minister present via a video link. The agreement sets out that the Faroe islands and the UK will hold annual negotiations concerning access to waters and quotas.
‘This is a historic day for the relations between the Faroes and the United Kingdom. The signing of the Fisheries Agreement is a landmark in our history and a stepping stone in our joint ambition to develop further the cooperation between our two nations,’ Jacob Vestergaard said.
‘I am especially pleased with the sincere and constructive working relationship between Faroese and UK Ministers and officials in recent years.’
UK fishing vessels land around £2.34m worth of fish from Faroese waters annually.
‘This agreement will ensure that annual fisheries negotiations can take place this year to the benefit of our fishing industry,’ commented fisheries minister Victoria Prentis.
‘I would like to thank our Faroese counterparts for their constructive approach, and I look forward to building on the strong and historic links between our nations while taking further steps to responsibly manage our seas.’
