Canada plans to open two new consulates in Greenland and Alaska, as part of a strategy to strengthen its presence in the Arctic. This is reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The plans to open consulates were announced by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. According to her, the Arctic is a top priority of the country's foreign policy.
Canada had previously planned to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, in November, but the opening was postponed due to bad weather. Currently, there is no date for the opening of the consulate in Anchorage. Also, Anita Anand emphasized the growing strategic importance of the region.
This region is now extremely important as we see Russian infrastructure pushing further and further north, and the Northwest Passage becoming easier to navigate due to melting polar ice caps.
In addition, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to strengthen Canada's military and security presence in the Arctic. The region is attracting increasing interest from the US, Russia, and China. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Anand said she spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and urged him to strengthen resources in the Arctic.
My question to him was, "What exactly will NATO do?" Because Canada is going to strengthen its presence in the Arctic.
In addition, Anita Anand plans to invite a group of foreign ministers to visit the Canadian Arctic next summer.
Recall
Canada calls on NATO for a more systemic approach to security in the Arctic amid geopolitical changes. Foreign Minister Anita Anand will raise this issue at the meeting of NATO ministers.