Canada and France have opened new consulates in Greenland, a move widely interpreted as a diplomatic show of support for the Danish autonomous territory amid renewed United States interest in the strategically important Arctic island.
The consulates were inaugurated on Friday in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, with officials from both countries emphasising their backing for Greenland’s local government and its continued ties with Denmark.
The development comes as Washington renews its focus on Greenland’s strategic location and vast mineral resources.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand presided over the opening of Canada’s consulate, describing the occasion as a significant moment in Ottawa’s engagement with the Arctic region.
Speaking before raising the Canadian flag, Anand said the move reflected Canada’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Greenland and supporting its people, drawing applause from Inuit representatives in attendance.
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France also formally opened its diplomatic mission, reinforcing its position as a vocal opponent of any external claims over Greenland.
French President Emmanuel Macron had announced plans for the consulate during a visit to Nuuk in June, where he expressed Europe’s solidarity with Greenland and criticised attempts to challenge its sovereignty.
The latest diplomatic steps follow renewed assertions by US President Donald Trump, who since returning to the White House last year has argued that Washington needs control of Greenland for national and regional security reasons. Although Trump has since toned down direct threats, Denmark and Greenland have maintained that the island’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
France’s newly appointed consul to Greenland, Jean-Noel Poirier, said the mission would prioritise engagement with local communities and reaffirm France’s support for Greenland in cooperation with Denmark.
Canada had announced plans to open a consulate in Greenland in late 2024 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its Arctic presence and deepen regional partnerships.
Observers say the opening of the new consulates also reflects Greenland’s growing autonomy and its long-standing efforts to expand international relations as it seeks to reduce economic and political dependence on Denmark.
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