Canada and France to Open New Consulates in Greenland Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Canada and France are set to open their first new consulates in Greenland following warnings by former US President Donald Trump about taking control of the Arctic island.

A Canadian delegation will travel to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Friday to officially inaugurate the consulate. The delegation includes Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, along with other senior officials. A Canadian Coast Guard vessel will also accompany the visit.

According to AFP, Canada and France have opened new consulates in Greenland, signaling growing diplomatic engagement in the Arctic amid increasing geopolitical and economic interest in the region.

Officials from both countries said the opening of the consulates aims to strengthen bilateral relations, expand cooperation on climate research and sustainable development, and enhance support for Arctic communities.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said the consulate would help advance “Canada’s enduring commitment to the Arctic” and enable closer collaboration with Greenland and Denmark on shared priorities ranging from environmental protection to Indigenous partnerships.

France’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the initiative, describing the new consulate as part of France’s broader Arctic strategy. Paris said the move would support stronger scientific cooperation, responsible economic development, and multilateral dialogue in the High North.

Previously, only Iceland and the United States had diplomatic consulates in Nuuk.