Canada and France Open Consulates in Greenland Amid US Arctic Tensions
NUUK — Canada and France have officially opened diplomatic consulates in Greenland, signaling strong support for NATO ally Denmark amid ongoing US interest in the strategically located Arctic island.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand inaugurated the Canadian consulate in Nuuk on Friday, accompanied by Canada’s Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon. French diplomat Jean-Noel Poirier also assumed his post as France’s first consul general in Greenland, marking the European Union’s first permanent presence on the island.
Both countries said the consulates will focus on strengthening political, cultural, scientific, and economic ties with Greenland, while supporting local initiatives and cooperation with Denmark. Poirier stressed that listening to Greenlanders and respecting their perspectives would guide France’s engagement.
The move comes as US President Donald Trump has pushed for greater American influence in Greenland, citing security and strategic interests, though he recently stepped back from direct takeover threats after agreeing on a “framework” deal with NATO.
Greenland already hosts an Icelandic consulate since 2013, and the US reopened its Nuuk mission in 2020, having previously operated there from 1940 to 1953.
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