On the 6th, Canada and France each opened consulates in Nuuk, the capital of Denmark’s autonomous territory Greenland, marking a substantial step for both countries in strengthening relations with Greenland and increasing their participation in Arctic affairs.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt jointly attended the opening ceremony of Canada’s consulate in Nuuk on the 6th. Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen had originally planned to participate as well, but was unable to arrive on time due to an aircraft malfunction. According to the arrangements, Rasmussen, Anand, and Motzfeldt will also hold a joint press conference.
On the 6th, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Jean-Noël Poirier has assumed post as France’s Consul General in Nuuk, making France the first EU country to establish a consular institution in Greenland. According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consulate will provide regular consular services for French citizens, promote scientific cooperation with Greenland, and offer guidance to French companies interested in investing or establishing offices locally.
Greenland is the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark, enjoying a high degree of self-government, while defense and foreign affairs are handled by the Danish government. Since returning to the White House in early 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to acquire Greenland, even going so far as to say that he would not rule out “seizing the island by force.” Europe has reacted strongly, saying Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.