Canada and France have formally opened new diplomatic consulates in Greenland, marking a significant expansion of foreign engagement on the Arctic island amid ongoing pressure from the United States over its strategic future.
The moves come as US President Donald Trump continues to argue that Washington needs greater control over the mineral-rich territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but operates with broad self-rule.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand traveled to Nuuk on Friday to inaugurate Canada’s first consulate in Greenland, accompanied by Governor General Mary Simon and senior officials.
Ottawa first pledged to open the mission in early 2024 as part of a review of its Arctic foreign policy, with the formal opening delayed from November due to bad weather.
Canadian officials say the consulate is intended to strengthen cooperation on climate change, Arctic security, and Inuit rights.
Simon said Canada "stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future".
France is opening its own consulate the same day, with Jean-Noel Poirier assuming duties as consul general.
France’s foreign ministry said the mission will focus on cultural, scientific, economic, and political cooperation with Greenlandic authorities.
With the Canadian and French openings, Greenland now hosts consulates from four countries, joining earlier missions from Iceland and the United States.
The diplomatic expansion unfolds against heightened tensions following repeated statements by Trump asserting that the United States needs to secure Greenland for national security reasons.
Trump has blamed Denmark for failing to adequately protect the island from potential Russian or Chinese threats, while also making similar complaints privately about Canada’s Arctic regions.
Last month, he softened earlier takeover rhetoric after announcing a “framework” understanding with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte aimed at increasing US influence.
A US-Denmark-Greenland working group has since been established to address Washington’s Arctic security concerns, though details remain undisclosed.
For Canada, the Greenland mission also reflects longstanding cultural and geographic ties, as Inuit communities in northern Canada maintain close links with Greenlandic Inuit.
French and Canadian officials describe their new presences as signals of continued NATO solidarity with Denmark and support for Greenland amid intensifying great power competition in the Arctic.