Canada and France have opened diplomatic consulates in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, sending a clear message of support for Denmark as it navigates growing tensions over control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
In an effort to boost cooperation on pressing issues such as climate change and Indigenous rights, Canada's foreign minister Anita Anand has inaugurated the consulate alongside her Indigenous governor general Mary Simon. The move comes at a time when US President Donald Trump had made headlines with his remarks on potential takeover of Greenland, prompting Denmark to seek support from its NATO allies.
The formal inauguration of the Canadian consulate was delayed from November due to bad weather, but officials say it will play a significant role in deepening existing cooperation projects between Canada and Greenland. The move is seen as a boost to bilateral relations and a key step forward for stability and security in the region.
Meanwhile, France has taken a similar stance by opening its own consulate general in Nuuk, marking the first time an EU country has established such a diplomatic outpost on the island. The French consul general Jean-Noรซl Poirier will focus on strengthening cultural, scientific, and economic ties with Greenland, while also nurturing political relations with local authorities.
In recent months, Greenland and Denmark have been locked in talks to hammer out an Arctic security deal, which includes cooperation on climate change and Indigenous rights issues. Although details of the agreement remain scarce, the move reflects the growing importance of regional stability in the face of global challenges.
The news comes as Canada and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening stability and cooperation across the region, with Anand stating that "as Arctic nations, we are working together to strengthen stability, security, and cooperation across the region."
In an effort to boost cooperation on pressing issues such as climate change and Indigenous rights, Canada's foreign minister Anita Anand has inaugurated the consulate alongside her Indigenous governor general Mary Simon. The move comes at a time when US President Donald Trump had made headlines with his remarks on potential takeover of Greenland, prompting Denmark to seek support from its NATO allies.
The formal inauguration of the Canadian consulate was delayed from November due to bad weather, but officials say it will play a significant role in deepening existing cooperation projects between Canada and Greenland. The move is seen as a boost to bilateral relations and a key step forward for stability and security in the region.
Meanwhile, France has taken a similar stance by opening its own consulate general in Nuuk, marking the first time an EU country has established such a diplomatic outpost on the island. The French consul general Jean-Noรซl Poirier will focus on strengthening cultural, scientific, and economic ties with Greenland, while also nurturing political relations with local authorities.
In recent months, Greenland and Denmark have been locked in talks to hammer out an Arctic security deal, which includes cooperation on climate change and Indigenous rights issues. Although details of the agreement remain scarce, the move reflects the growing importance of regional stability in the face of global challenges.
The news comes as Canada and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening stability and cooperation across the region, with Anand stating that "as Arctic nations, we are working together to strengthen stability, security, and cooperation across the region."