Denmark and Greenland to discuss Arctic defence cooperation amid global tensions
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen is visiting Greenland for the second time this year to talk Arctic security with Greenland’s Defense Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.
The discussions come after an invitation from Greenland to delve into defense policy, and Greenland’s role in any future regional defense investments.
In a statement on Friday, Denmark’s Ministry of Defence said while Copenhagen and Nuuk still see the Arctic as a low-tension area, global security concerns continue to mount and need the two capitals’ ongoing attention and close defence cooperation.”
“It makes the best sense that we discuss the Arctic from the Arctic,” Motzfeldt said in a statement.
“I look forward to once again discussing how we can involve the Greenlandic population and our companies in the Defence’s task solution in the Arctic. This at the same time as we must always keep Greenland’s security in mind in a changing world.”
A central topic of the meetings will be Greenland’s Arctic Basic Training program.
The initiative was conceived to provide young people with training in defense and emergency response skills.
The students live and train in Kangerlussuaq and receive a salary throughout the program.
The training taught by Greenland’s police and rescue services and is divided into two parts: the first focuses on defense and emergency tasks, while the second centers on deployment.
Graduates of the program are eligible to pursue further training in the Navy, Air Force, and Army.
This year nineteen out of 22 trainees successfully completed the program, and plans are underway to expand the intake in the coming year.
Poulsen said the number of recruits will be essential for improving security both in Greenland and across the Arctic.
“It is the government’s objective that we create an even stronger and more solution-oriented cooperation between the countries in the Kingdom. This applies both to the further process of the defense settlement and to defense policy in general. I look forward to good discussions about Greenland’s priorities in the area of defence, the security policy situation and, not least, Arctic Basic Training.
“This will benefit the security of both Greenland and the entire Arctic.”
Public invited to ask questions on Arctic security
Motzfeldt noted that the ongoing discussions between Denmark and Greenland are vital for addressing defence needs in the region.
“The regular visits and dialogue between the ministers help ensure that we are considering local perspectives and involving the Greenlandic people in decisions that affect their security,” she said.
As part of the visit, the ministers will host an open meeting in Nuuk, where they will discuss the defense settlement and its implications for Greenland and the Arctic. The meeting is expected to allow residents to ask questions and offer feedback on the ongoing defence negotiations.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Yukon Arctic defence council calls for more attention to infrastructure in new report, CBC News
Denmark: Denmark’s Arctic, North Atlantic focus: Canada among new defence attaché posts, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: US, Norwegian forces in Lapland for rapid reinforcement exercise, The Independent Barents Observer
Norway: Nordic countries get ready to establish cross-border military corridors, CBC News
Russia:Russia to begin artillery firing near Norway’s Grense Jakobselv, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Updated version of Sweden’s preparedness guide sent out to households, Radio Sweden
United States: White House releases U.S. Arctic strategy implementation plan, Eye on the Arctic
