In Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and the heads of government of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Canada declared that they did not plan to acquire their own nuclear weapons. The Norwegians stressed that they do not intend to change their policy of not deploying such weapons. Canada has also said it does not anticipate any change in its position on the matter.
— Finland does not seek to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory, said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the key goal for NATO is to strengthen its deterrence potential.
Which countries opposed the presence of nuclear weapons?
What does the new cooperation agreement cover?
What security threat in the Arctic was highlighted?
What did leaders say about support for Ukraine?
— Nuclear deterrence is part of the overall security system of Europe and NATO, Frederiksen said.
Nordic-Arctic region. A new agreement was concluded
The meeting participants announced the conclusion of a new strategic agreement on closer cooperation in the Nordic-Arctic region. In a joint declaration, they emphasized that in the current international conditions, closer coordination of activities is necessary based on law, common values and interests.
— In times of war and numerous crises, we agree that international cooperation based on international law, common values and interests is the best way to strengthen our common security, Stoere said during a press conference.
The agreement has a wide scope and covers both economic and military issues. The leaders indicated that cooperation should be deepened in areas such as Arctic security, trade, modern technologies, defense industry, space sector, artificial intelligence, quantum solutions, critical raw materials and rare earth metals, as well as energy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his country wants to develop these resources to a greater extent with partners other than the US and build closer industrial ties with the Nordic countries.
—Historically, more than 70 cents of every dollar of Canadian defense spending went to the United States. This is not the most effective way to build our industry or strengthen security. The Nordic countries are natural partners for Canada, especially on maritime and Arctic security, Carney said.
Summit participants side with Denmark. It's about Greenland
Summit participants also assured their continued support for Denmark in the dispute with the US over Greenland. The prime ministers emphasized that the future of the Danish island can only be decided by its inhabitants and the Kingdom of Denmark. The head of the Norwegian government emphasized that this attitude expresses not only solidarity with Denmark, but also defense of the basic principles of international law, state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This matter is for the sole decision of the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark,” Stoere said.
One of the main topics was also the role of collective security in NATO. The leaders assessed that the Arctic must become a permanent priority for the alliance, and the response to threats should include joint plans, joint arms purchases, increased military presence and the development of capabilities adapted to northern conditions. The Danish Prime Minister assessed that the Nordic countries and Canada should maintain a permanent presence in the Arctic, strengthen supervision and invest in the necessary capabilities.
— Russia remains the greatest security threat in the Arctic. Therefore, NATO must increase its attention and presence in this region, emphasized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Leaders speak with one voice. “We fully support Ukraine's legitimate fight”
In a joint declaration, the heads of government confirmed their continued support for Ukraine and the need to further strengthen European security in the face of Russian aggression.
— We fully support Ukraine's legitimate fight to defend itself against Russia's illegal and brutal aggression. We call on partners to continue to increase their support, Stoere said.
The leaders also addressed the Gulf War and tensions around Iran. The summit participants emphasized that they were not a party to this conflict, although they felt its effects.
— This war could be long. We are not part of it. We didn't start it, but we are all affected by it. We will use all available diplomatic channels to encourage the parties to take actions that will not lead to further escalation, concluded Jonas Gahr Stoere.
