US STRESSES NEED FOR INVESTMENT IN ARCTIC
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday also stressed the need for investment in the Arctic while meeting with his counterparts from seven countries in the region.
“Allies agreed that Arctic security requires continued investment to safeguard this vital region and deter strategic competitors,” State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said in a readout of the meeting.
“Discussions focused on taking greater responsibility for Arctic security by developing sovereign military and economic capabilities, ensuring investment security, and funding resilient critical infrastructure that ensures reliable access and supports our shared leadership in the Arctic.”
The meeting convened top diplomats from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, at a New York hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement that would be signed on Tuesday recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark, and the right of self-determination for Greenland’s people.
Washington said the agreement paves the way to strengthen US military presence in Greenland while ensuring that China and Russia will not be able to establish bases or carry out sensitive investments there without consent.
Monday’s discussions also touched on cooperation to develop a fleet of icebreakers between the US, Canada and Finland.
In October, the United States announced the purchase of 11 icebreakers from Finland for the US Coast Guard to add to its fleet of three aging ships.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said recently that Europe needs icebreakers to strengthen its presence in the Arctic, as global warming draws the interest of major powers to the region.
Vast natural resources are becoming increasingly accessible in the Arctic as ice melts and new maritime routes open up due to climate change.
China, Russia and the United States are reinforcing their presence in the strategic Arctic as a result.
