Russia says Iceland's move to downgrade level of diplomatic ties 'destroys' bilateral cooperation

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Saturday said that Iceland's decision to downgrade the level of diplomatic relations with Moscow "destroys" bilateral cooperation.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the relations between the two countries "were traditionally based on mutual respect and multifaceted cooperation."

"The Russian Federation made an important contribution to the formation of a sovereign Icelandic state, being one of the first to recognize its independence, and has done a lot to protect the interests of Iceland in difficult times for the Icelandic people," it said.

The ministry said that it will take this “unfriendly decision” into account when building ties with Iceland in the future.

"There will inevitably be a corresponding reaction to all the anti-Russian actions of Reykjavik," it said.