Munich (Rajeev Sharma): Canada and Denmark have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening security ties and enhancing coordination in the Arctic and across the transatlantic region.
Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) alongside defence representatives from Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands during the Munich Security Conference on Friday, according to a statement from the Department of National Defence.
The agreement outlines expanded collaboration in key areas including defence innovation, industrial partnerships, logistics support, and joint efforts in personnel exchange, training, military exercises and education.
Officials said the pact reflects a shared commitment to transatlantic security and deeper coordination among NATO allies at a time of growing global uncertainty.
The move comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. The agreement follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting renewed interest in annexing the strategically important Arctic island.
Earlier this month, Canada also opened a consulate in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. While the decision had been planned prior to recent political developments in Washington, it has been viewed as a gesture of support for Denmark and a sign of Canada’s increasing engagement in the Arctic region.
“Today, we send a clear message: the Arctic is secure, and we will keep it that way,” McGuinty said in the official release.
Canada and Denmark share a maritime boundary of roughly 3,000 kilometres in the Arctic and maintain longstanding cultural and historical connections, particularly among Inuit communities across the region.
Denmark has also deepened its security partnership with Ottawa, joining Canada’s Maritime Security Partnership during the NATO summit held in June.
The new agreement is expected to enhance operational coordination and reinforce collective security efforts as Arctic strategic competition and broader global security challenges continue to evolve.
