Arctic countries send signal to the world
“We need to send a common political signal to both our own populations and the rest of the world that the five coastal states will address the opportunities and challenges in a responsible manner”, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller told reporters.
“Climate change is a fact of the Arctic. The ice is melting and transport routes and natural resources which used to be inaccessible are opening up,” Moller said, Reuters reports. The Danish government has invited government ministers from Canada, Norway, Russia and the United States to discussions about borders and resources in the Arctic. The meeting takes place as the North Pole ice is melting at record speed and as commercial interests in transport and industry in the region increases. Denmark has urged all involved parts to abide by United Nations rules on territorial claims. The country also hopes to sign a declaration stating that the United Nations would rule on any disputes.
