On 3 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius expressed his condolences to the family and relatives over the death of Lithuanian Honorary Consul General in Iceland, Professor Arnór Hannibalsson.

“Since the dawn of Lithuania`s independence we have always felt Professor’s A.Hannibalsson support for our freedom aspirations. For many years A.Hannibalsson   spared no effort to strengthen relations between Lithuania and Iceland. Lithuania has lost one of its dearest friends", the Foreign Minister said.

A.Hannibalsson was a tireless supporter of the independence of the Baltic States. In February 2010, he was awarded the Commander Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania.

On 11 February 1991, Iceland was the first to officially recognize the Lithuanian independence. On 26 August 1991, the countries established diplomatic relations.