OSLO, Norway — Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada wrapped up a series of high-level talks in Norway on Saturday, joining leaders from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland in a commitment to bolster economic ties amid rising geopolitical tensions. The prime ministers issued a joint statement emphasizing the need for international cooperation based on shared values, as technology and global trade increasingly serve as tools of coercion.
The meeting, held in the Norwegian capital, comes at a time of heightened instability, including ongoing wars and multiple crises that have disrupted traditional alliances. "At a time characterized by heightened geopolitical tension, war and a multitude of crises, we are united in the view that international co-operation, based on international law, shared values and interests, remains the best way to strengthen our common security and prosperity," the leaders stated in their joint communiqué.
Carney, who has been in Norway since earlier in the week, met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and counterparts Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, Katrín Jakobsdóttir of Iceland, Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, and Petteri Orpo of Finland. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment links, which have been strained in recent years by U.S. tariffs and provocative statements regarding territorial claims, particularly concerning Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.
During a press conference following the summit, Frederiksen reflected on the shifting global landscape. "The old world order is gone and likely not coming back," she said. "So, we have to build something new and it has to be a world order that is built on the values that we represent." Her comments underscored the leaders' resolve to forge stronger partnerships among like-minded nations in the face of external pressures.
A key point of contention raised by reporters was the ongoing threats to Greenland's sovereignty, including past remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about annexing the strategically vital Arctic island for national security reasons. When asked if the leaders believed these threats had subsided, Carney responded by highlighting collaborative efforts. He said Canada and the Nordic countries could defend their sovereignty through joint defense initiatives in the Arctic and enhanced economic collaboration.
Frederiksen did not directly address the question about the persistence of threats to Greenland. However, the group was pressed on whether they would stand ready to defend the territory if another NATO ally attempted to seize it — an apparent allusion to U.S. interests. Carney affirmed the importance of upholding territorial integrity. "Territorial sovereignty must be upheld and the future of Greenland is up to its people and Denmark," he stated. "We will back that with measures as necessary, as a partner."
Carney further noted the clarity from the European Union and other partners on these principles. "The European Union, and others, have been clear about these fundamental principles and the principle of solidarity has helped to create the space which always should have been there, to be clear, to develop a better security umbrella in the Arctic … So, we’re clear on where we stand and we will continue to stand with Denmark and Greenland," he added.
In January, Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reportedly agreed to a framework for future Arctic security arrangements, with Trump advocating for "total access" to Greenland. A NATO spokesperson, Allison Hart, clarified that Rutte did not propose any compromise on sovereignty during those talks. Leaders from both Denmark and Greenland have consistently maintained that the island's sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre echoed the sentiment of solidarity, framing it as a defense of core international norms. "It is for basic principles of international law, national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is not simply language in schoolbooks. This is hardcore realities for how we preserve freedom, democracy," Støre said. The Nordic leaders, alongside Carney, expressed unified support for Greenland.
Beneath these diplomatic assurances lie tangible security concerns in the Arctic region, where military threats are escalating. Carney identified Russia as the primary physical security challenge but pointed to additional "layered" threats, including hybrid warfare and economic pressures. These issues are particularly acute for Nordic and Arctic nations, which share vast northern frontiers.
Coinciding with the leaders' meeting, NATO launched its biennial Cold Response exercises on Friday, involving 32,000 troops from 14 nations, including the United States. The drills, focused on high-intensity warfare scenarios, are taking place in northern Norway and Finland, simulating operations in extreme Arctic conditions to enhance alliance readiness.
Finnish Prime Minister Orpo emphasized the Russian dimension during the press conference. "We need to understand that Russia is our biggest threat, and it will remain a threat for Nordic, Arctic countries. And that’s why we have to go forward to strengthen Arctic security together," Orpo said. The exercises underscore NATO's commitment to collective defense in a region increasingly viewed as a flashpoint.
Beyond security, the talks touched on economic and procurement matters. Carney fielded questions about Canada's ongoing evaluation of submarine bids, including a joint German-Norwegian proposal competing against South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. He stressed that the process is independent and that he would not intervene. "The submarine bids … are currently being reviewed," Carney said. Discussions also arose regarding potential purchases of Swedish Saab fighter jets, though no specifics were disclosed.
Støre voiced respect for Canada's procurement procedures, avoiding any pressure on the outcome. The joint statement from the six leaders reaffirmed pledges to advance Arctic security, deepen trade and investment, and foster "prosperous and green economies." Prior to the multilateral summit, Carney held separate meetings with Norway's finance minister, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, and the CEO of Norges Bank, Ida Wolden Bache, to explore financial cooperation opportunities.
As Carney concludes his official duties in Norway, he is scheduled to depart for London on Sunday. There, he will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday for what will be their seventh encounter in just over a year, signaling robust Canada-U.K. relations. Carney is also slated to have an audience with King Charles III.
Following these engagements, Carney plans to take a brief vacation in Europe, while the rest of the Canadian delegation returns home on Monday. He assured reporters that he would stay in close contact with his staff during this time. The trip highlights Carney's active diplomacy in Europe, building on previous visits amid a turbulent international environment.
The Oslo summit reflects broader efforts by Canada and the Nordic countries to navigate a multipolar world where economic interdependence is both an asset and a vulnerability. With U.S. trade policies and Arctic militarization in focus, these like-minded nations are positioning themselves to safeguard their interests through multilateralism. As global tensions persist, such alliances could prove pivotal in maintaining stability in the North.
Analysts note that the emphasis on green economies aligns with shared priorities, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund and Canada's push for sustainable resource development. However, challenges remain, particularly in balancing NATO obligations with regional sovereignty concerns. The leaders' joint stance on Greenland serves as a diplomatic signal to Washington and Moscow alike.
Looking ahead, the commitments made in Oslo may lead to concrete initiatives, such as joint Arctic patrols or trade pacts. Carney's upcoming meetings in London could further integrate these efforts into a transatlantic framework. For now, the Nordic-Canadian partnership stands as a bulwark against coercion, underscoring the enduring value of democratic solidarity in an era of uncertainty.