The objective of this annual high-level event is for ministers from northern Atlantic countries to address issues of concern in an informal setting. As part of this year's topic, "sustainable ocean governance", Commissioner Vella presented the European Union's ocean agenda, and in particular the actions undertaken by the EU under the 2016 International ocean governance agenda. Its objective is to reduce pressures on the oceans and to promote sustainable blue economy. The Commissioner also called on all participants to work together to improve international ocean governance. His full remarks are available here. A joint communiqué of the ministers will shortly be available. In the margins of the conference, Commissioner Vella held a number of bilateral meetings with the Fisheries Ministers and other representatives of the Faroe Islands, Canada, Russia, Iceland and Greenland.