09.02.2023 · The Government

The Arctic belongs to its peoples

The Arctic belongs to its peoples

Yesterday Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Høgni Hoydal took part in the opening session of the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples´ Dialogue in Nuuk.

In his speech, Høgni Hoydal emphasized the need for the people of the Arctic to engage directly to face the challenges and changes in the region.

“The uncompromising principle is that the Arctic belongs to its peoples. And we, the peoples of the Arctic, must take the responsibility for our region and engage directly with international partners to promote security, prosperity, and sustainable development,” said Minister Hoydal.

Turning point in global politics

The Faroese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade pointed out that we are at a turning point in global politics. The geopolitical neighbourhood in the Arctic and North Atlantic has been characterised by security, stability, and prosperity. Still, Russia’s war in Ukraine has put the rules-based system of international politics under pressure.

“The security environment is changing, and we are facing a new reality on the world stage that will impact the Arctic too. The Faroe Islands are committed to maintaining peace and stability in our region in close and direct cooperation with our neighbours. Together, we need to be mindful not to take steps that will increase tensions or lead to unintended escalation,” he said.

The EU is an important partner

Høgni Hoydal stated that one of the Faroe Islands’ most important international partners is the European Union. He was therefore delighted that the EU has increased its focus on the Arctic because the EU has an important role to play in the Arctic and our northern neighbourhood at large.

“The Faroe Islands are strongly committed to enhancing the relations between the Faroe Islands and the European Union towards an even closer and more dynamic partnership for the benefit of both parties. Trade, fisheries cooperation and research and education are at the core of the relationship between the Faroe Islands and the EU. But we must do more to explore and develop other policy areas, including the green transition, digitalisation, tourism, aquaculture, creative industries as well as research and innovation,” said Minister Hoydal.

In the margins of the EU Arctic Forum in Nuuk, Høgni Hoydal will meet EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius and Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström

Faroese Foreign Minister Høgni Hoydal, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and EU Commissioner for Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius are all participating in the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples´Dialogue in Nuuk.