France and Canada open consulates in Greenland

For the first time in the modern history of the island, consulates of France and Canada opened in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. The opening ceremonies of two diplomatic missions took place on Friday, February 6. The opening ceremony of the Canadian consulate was attended by the country's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Mary Simon, who holds the post of Governor General of Canada. Simon said the opening of a Canadian mission in Nuuk not only strengthens diplomatic ties, but also "reaffirms Canada's respect for the people of Greenland, respect for your democracy, your sovereignty and your right to shape your own future." In turn, Jean-Noël Poirier, who became the French consul on the island, said that “if a crisis arises, we organize ourselves to be on the scene.” He also indicated that his goal is to “understand the position of the Greenlanders,” and France will be ready to support the local residents “if they and the Danish side wish it.” However, the French consulate does not yet have a permanent address on the island. The opening of French and Canadian consulates in Greenland comes amid continued statements by US President Donald Trump about his desire to incorporate the northern island into the United States.