Officials from Canada and France have presided over the opening of new diplomatic consulates in Greenland. Their moves come as US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the Danish territory.
The countries are seeking to boost Arctic security and support for their NATO ally. Canadian officials, including Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon, attended the opening ceremony in Nuuk on Friday.
Anand said, “We will stand together with the people of Greenland and Denmark on many issues, on defense and security, on economic resilience and bilateral ties.”
Officials announced plans to open the consulate in 2024, before Trump’s recent talk of taking control. Canada shares a 3,000-kilometer maritime border with Denmark.
Simon gave an address earlier in the week, saying they must “uphold the tradition of collaboration and respect.”
She said, “Canada stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future.”
French officials opened their consulate on Friday as well. It is reportedly the first such outpost for any country in the European Union.