Canada is stepping up military and security cooperation with Northern European countries amid statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the possible annexation of Greenland and rising tensions in the Arctic. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
According to the agency, the authorities of Greenland and Denmark have been consulting with Canada for several years on creating their own equivalent of the Canadian Rangers – a reserve structure of the Canadian Army that operates in remote Arctic regions.
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Following Trump's statements about Greenland, these negotiations have become more active. Canada and the Nordic countries also fear the intensification of Russia's military activity in the Arctic.
Canada and Nordic countries increase military cooperation
Northern European countries and Canada are increasingly realizing that we can unite militarily and diplomatically
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney states that Ottawa seeks to reduce dependence on the US in Arctic security matters and develop partnerships with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
In March, Canada and five Nordic countries agreed to deepen cooperation in defense production, military procurement, and cybersecurity.
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According to Carney, the greatest danger to the region is posed specifically by Russia, which has the largest military presence in the Arctic.
Reuters notes that climate change is making the Arctic more accessible for shipping and resource extraction, which is intensifying competition between states in the region. In addition to Russia, China is also increasing its presence there.
It is expected that by the end of the year, Canada, Denmark, and Greenland will prepare a plan to create an Arctic unit based on the Canadian Rangers model.
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