Office for Foreign and Economic Relations (Hverland)

Office for Foreign and Economic Relations

Skrifstofa fyrir utanríkis- og efnahagssambönd
Department offices building
Department overview
Formed	1920
Jurisdiction	Hverland
Employees	303
Minister responsible	Sigurður Kristjánsson (CP)
Website	relations.hv (English)

The Office for Foreign and Economic Relations (Hverlandic: Skrifstofa fyrir utanríkis- og efnahagssambönd) is the government department responsible for the design and implementation of Hverland's foreign policy as well as trade and international economic policy.

History

Established in the wake of Hverland's independence in 1920 as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the department's original mission was primarily focused on strengthening the nation's diplomatic standing. This included establishing diplomatic missions and crafting trade policies.

The transformation into the Office for Foreign Relations came about during the administrative reform of 1951. This change reflected the government’s shift towards a more service-oriented approach to governance. The term "ministry" was supplanted by "office", signaling a commitment to direct service for the citizenry.

A second round of administrative reform in 2010 combined the Office for Foreign Relations with the Office for Economic Affairs and Trade to make the Office for Foreign and Economic Relations.

The Office has continued to evolve, particularly in embracing technological advances for diplomacy, consular services, and safeguarding sensitive information.

Role and responsibilities

The Office for Foreign and Economic Relations serves as the keystone in shaping and executing Hverland's foreign and economic policies. It not only manages diplomatic endeavors but also plays a significant role in international economic collaborations. Among its core duties are the formulation of foreign and trade policies, the coordination of diplomatic missions, engagement with global institutions, and provision of consular services to Hverlandic nationals abroad. Additionally, it navigates complex global challenges such as climate change, international security, and global health concerns.

Organization

The Superintendent of State appoints the Chairperson for Relations, who leads the Office.

Leadership

Minister of Foreign Affairs (1920 - 1951)

• Sigurður Einarsson (1920 - 1925)
• Ásta Björnsson(1925 - 1931)
• Kjartan Ólafsson (1931 - 1937)
• Elín Jónsson(1937 - 1943)
• Björn Stefánsson (1943 - 1949)
• Sigurður Helgasson (1949 - 1951)

Chairperson for Foreign Relations (1951 - 2010)

• Dagfinnur Jónsson (1951 - 1956)
• Þórunn Benediktsdóttir (1956 - 1962)
• Gísli Bergsson (1962 - 1968)
• Nanna Þórdís (1968 - 1974)
• Ragnar Vilhjálmsson (1974 - 1980)
• Hanna Óskarsdóttir (1980 - 1986)
• Einar Stefánsson (1986 - 1992)
• Björk Þorsteinsdóttir (1992 - 1998)
• Halldór Gunnarsson (1998 - 2004)
• Eva Sigurðardóttir (2004 - 2010)

Chairperson for Relations (2010 - present)

• Magnús Bjarni (2010 - 2018)
• Eva Sigurðardóttir (2018 - 2022)
• Sigurður Kristjánsson (2022 - present)

Agencies

Agency for Nordic Affairs

This agency is focused on strengthening relationships between Hverland and the Nordic countries. It functions under the Office for Foreign and Economic Relations, working closely with the Chairperson and the relevant departments.

Recent activities

Under Chairperson Magnús Bjarni, the Office spearheaded efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, ensuring the security of Hverland's digital communications. These measures protect sensitive diplomatic information while also safeguarding the country's digital sovereignty.

Unique in its foreign policy, Hverland is among the few nations that recognize Taiwan rather than China, showing a commitment to democratic principles and self-determination. This decision further highlights Hverland's steadfast dedication to upholding its values on the global stage.

Responding to international developments, the Office has played an integral role in addressing global issues. In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Office worked diligently to promote peaceful resolution and international law. It supported sanctions coordinated by international bodies and provided humanitarian aid to affected Ukrainians.

The digital transformation under Chairperson Magnús Bjarni included enhancing cyber security measures and digital communication. Subsequently, under Chairperson Ásta Kristjánsdóttir, the Office launched e-consular services, providing Hverlandic citizens abroad with seamless digital access to these services.