France Ready for Joint Arctic Exercises, Will Open Consulate Says Macron During Visit to Greenland
French President Macron and Greenlandic Premier Nielsen walking to the joint press conference in Nuuk, Greenland. (Source: APT News)
France is ready to step up its engagement in the Arctic through joint exercises and economic and social partnerships, French President Macron announced during a visit in Nuuk. The country will also open a general consulate in the Greenlandic capital. During a press conference Macron rebuked repeated statements made by U.S. President Trump about acquiring Greenland.
During a stop in Greenland’s capital Nuuk en route to the G7 meeting in Canada French President Emmanuel Macron met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen to discuss the Arctic and the island’s key position in the region.
“It’s important to show that Denmark and Europe are committed to this territory, which has very high strategic stakes, and whose territorial integrity must be respected,” said the French President.
Macron’s six-hour trip set off aboard Danish frigate F363 Niels Juel, with a subsequent visit to a glacier on Mount Nunatarsuaq showcasing the impact of climate change.
Not to be sold
Macron’s visit followed an invitation by Greenland, in stark contrast to U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s uninvited trip to the Pituffik military base in March widely seen as a political affront.
During a joint press conference the French President criticized Trump’s threats to take over the Arctic island.
Greenland is subject to preying ambitions
“I don’t think that’s what allies do,” he said.
“Greenland is subject to preying ambitions. Everyone thinks — in France and in the EU — that Greenland is not to be sold, is not to be taken.”
Macron sharply criticizes Trump
Macron’s comments serve as a counterpoint to the Trump Administration’s brash repeated statements about acquiring the island, including refusing to rule out the use of force.
“It’s important that Denmark and the Europeans commit themselves to this territory, where the strategic stakes are very high and whose territorial integrity must be respected,” he continued.
Macron’s comments were welcomed with warm applause by the crowd in attendance at the press conference. In remarks Greenlandic Premier Nielsen highlighted the importance of France’s support.
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Strange times
“In these challenging times, from the government of Greenland and the Greenlandic people, I’d like to express our gratitude,” he said.
“It’s a strange time for us in Greenland. We live on democratic principles built up for many years, respect for international law, respect for borders, respect for law of the sea and we are glad you could stand with us to state that those principles are very important.”
The French president highlighted that France was ready to take on greater responsibilities in the region.
“I conveyed the message that France is available in terms of common exercises in order to improve the security and to improve our capacities as well.”
“And clearly NATO is a place where this cooperation and interoperability is to be organized,” he explained.
As a first sign of greater French engagement in the Arctic and Greenland specifically, Macron also announced plans for diplomatic offices on the island.
“France is available to do much more, and that’s why we decided to open a new general consulate here in Nuuk.”
