WATCH Icelandic President Get Round of Applause After Remark in Russian

Gudni Johannesson's Russian skills provoked applause from high-profile guests after they heard his statement on friendship. Prior to making the heartwarming comment, Johannesson explained that he studied the Russian language a long time ago and has therefore "forgotten almost everything."

Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson impressed the attendees of the International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg with his Russian language skills after he stressed that friendship is the most "precious" thing on the planet. 

"There's nothing more precious on this Earth than real friendship. Thank you very much", the president noted. 

READ MORE: Iceland's President Says He Wants to Discuss Future of Arctic Council With Putin

The expression uttered in perfect Russian about friendship was all he remembered and could say, Johannesson noted.

Iceland president @PresidentISL talks 'true friendship' during 5th Intl Arctic Forum… in RUSSIAN!

P.S. Nothing to apologize for, Mr. President, great language skills! pic.twitter.com/jhaR8j5JoH

— RT (@RT_com) 9 апреля 2019 г.

​However, the Icelandic leader said that he wants to continue learning Russian once he has time in the future.