Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark (with Greenland) announce the establishment of a Joint Task Force on Boundary Issues

News release

In order to make further progress on the outstanding boundary issues in the waters between Canada and Greenland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, together with the Government of Greenland, and Global Affairs Canada have decided to establish a joint task force.

May 23, 2018 - Ilulissat, Greenland, Kingdom of Denmark - Global Affairs Canada In order to make further progress on the outstanding boundary issues in the waters between Canada and Greenland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, together with the Government of Greenland, and Global Affairs Canada have decided to establish a joint task force. The task force will explore options and provide recommendations on how to resolve outstanding boundary issues between the two nations. This includes the sovereignty of Hans Island, the maritime boundary line in Lincoln Sea and the Labrador Sea continental shelf overlap beyond 200 nautical miles.

Quotes

“As an Arctic nation, Canada is committed to working collaboratively with its Arctic neighbours to address issues of mutual concern. We are very pleased to be addressing our outstanding boundary issues -- through this diplomatic joint task force -- with our long-time friend and ally the Kingdom of Denmark.” - The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

”I am very happy that we are able to announce the establishment of a joint task force to resolve the outstanding boundary issues in the waters between Canada and Greenland. This is a breakthrough in our joint efforts to resolve the question of sovereignty of Hans Island and other issues. The joint task force is a product of the strong cooperation between our friendly nations - and very much in the spirit of the Ilulissat Declaration” - Anders Samuelsen, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs



"On behalf of the Government of Greenland I am very pleased that our countries are able to show a way forward and move on to resolve our outstanding boundary issues in the waters between Canada and Greenland. Tartupaluk/"Hans Island" has been discussed over a long period of time. I feel confident that the upcoming work and efforts will be dealt with in a peaceful and constructive manner." - Vivian M. Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs

Associated links Canada and Denmark relations

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Press Secretary

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