Canada and France open consulates in Greenland to show support for Denmark

Canada and France opened diplomatic consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, this week and said the moves signalled support for their NATO ally Denmark. Officials said the posts will focus on cooperation on climate, cultural matters and political ties.

Canada and France opened diplomatic consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, this week in actions described as showing support for Denmark. Canada’s foreign minister, Anita Anand, travelled to Nuuk to inaugurate her country’s consulate and was joined by Canada’s Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon. France named Jean-Noël Poirier as its consul general, making France the first EU country to establish a consulate general in Greenland. Officials said the new posts will work on cooperation around climate issues, cultural and scientific projects, and political ties with local authorities. Known details: - Canada formally opened its consulate in Nuuk, with foreign minister Anita Anand attending and Governor General Mary Simon present. - France appointed Jean-Noël Poirier as consul general, and the ministry said the post will deepen cultural, scientific, economic and political cooperation; France’s president had visited Greenland in June. - Canada had pledged a consulate in 2024 and said the inauguration was delayed from November because of bad weather. - The openings were framed in the context of recent US interest in Greenland; an earlier announcement by the US president about tariffs and access talks was later followed by a reported framework reached with NATO involvement. - Technical talks between the US, Denmark and Greenland have begun to develop an Arctic security deal, and a working group was agreed between Danish and Greenlandic ministers and US officials earlier. Summary: The openings of the Canadian and French consulates underline a diplomatic reinforcement of ties between Greenland, Denmark and allied countries, with officials linking the moves to cooperation on climate, culture and politics. Technical talks involving the US, Denmark and Greenland are under way on an Arctic security arrangement; Undetermined at this time.