—
President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson offered his congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on being re-elected, with a carefully coded message that seems to directly reference current events.
In Guðni’s words of congratulations to Putin, Guðni emphasized that relations between Iceland and Russia have been mutually beneficial. He stated that the future of people living in northern climes is “based on sustainable development, protecting the environment, and good cooperation between the nations of this region”.
In addition, Guðni reminded Putin of the duty of leaders to provide security and prosperity for their people, saying, “It is critically important that national leaders always seek peaceful solutions wherever there is conflict, and support security, prosperity, and individual freedom everywhere.” This is especially telling in light of Putin’s recent boasts of a new and improved nuclear arsenal.
Guðni is somewhat of a master at the subtle point. Shortly after Donald Trump won the U.S. elections, Guðni also extended his congratulations, saying in part, “We unconditionally support the right to freedom of thought and expression, gender equality, and highly value equal rights for all regardless of race or religion.”
—
This post was originally published on the Reykjavik Grapevine, and is republished here with the author’s permission.
—
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all-access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class, and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group, and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.