OSLO — The prime ministers of Canada and Nordic countries have agreed to continue work to defend Arctic sovereignty and to deepen economic ties as technology and international trade are increasingly used as a “coercive tool.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney is concluding his time in Norway meeting with that country’s prime minister, along with the leaders of Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland.

“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,” reads a joint statement from the leaders after the meeting.

The leaders discussed the need to expand trade and investment ties, as like-minded countries have been upended in recent years in part due to U.S. tariffs and threats to annex Greenland.

Greenland is a self-governing Danish territory.

During a press conference after the meeting, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the old world order is gone and likely not coming back.

“So, we have to build something new and it has to be a world order that is built on the values that we represent,” Frederiksen said.

When asked if the leaders believe threats to Greenland’s sovereignty are over, Carney said Canada and the Nordic nations can work to defend their sovereignty by working together on shared defence, especially in the Arctic, and by deepening economic collaboration

Frederiksen did not respond to that question.

The leaders were asked if they were prepared to stand up to defend Greenland and Denmark if another NATO ally tried to seize the territory — a reference to U.S. statements on the need to take over the island for national security purposes.

Carney said territorial sovereignty must be upheld and the future of Greenland is up to its people and Denmark.

“We will back that with measures as necessary, as a partner,” Carney said.

“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.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte agreed to a framework for a future deal on Arctic security in January.

Trump has said that it would allow “total access” to Greenland. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said Rutte did not propose any “compromise to sovereignty” in discussions with Trump.