Norway’s foreign ministry claims it has “strengthened” its presence on Greenland after opening a new general consulate on the Arctic island’s largest town of Nuuk. The new consulate that opened in June comes at a time when the Arctic is of what the ministry calls “rising strategic importance.”
No mention was made in the announcement of the unpredictable US President Donald Trump’s recent grabs to “take over” Greenland. Norway has stressed throughout the drama set off by Trump that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which in turn is a close ally of Norway, and that Greenland itself needs all the support it can get.
“The Arctic is taking on steadily more importance for international politics and security,” stated Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, “and with a general consulate in Nuuk, we’re strengthening both political contact and cooperation on common interests in the region.” It will also, Støre said, strengthen cooperation within fishing, maritime issues and those involving Greenland’s indigenous population. The new general consulate will operate under the auspices of Norway’s embassy in Denmark and replace the honorary consulate Norway has had in Nuuk since 1986.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
