May 22, 2026 – Helsingborg, Sweden – Global Affairs Canada

“Recognizing the security challenges and economic opportunities in the Arctic and the High North, the Arctic Allies met to discuss our efforts to build a secure and prosperous region.

“The Arctic is quickly becoming a sphere of increasing geopolitical strategic importance. With Russia’s increased military activity and China’s growing strategic interest, we seek to bolster stability in the Arctic region. 

“We are enhancing our military presence, surveillance capabilities, and joint training in the Arctic and the High North. We do so in a coordinated and calibrated way.

“We support NATO’s increased presence in the region through activities such as Arctic Sentry, Air Policing in Iceland, and Forward Land Forces Finland, as well as the ongoing strengthening of the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, a new Combined Air Operations Centre in Norway and the ongoing modernization of NORAD. 

“Today, we have agreed to deepen our dialogue on security challenges in the Arctic and the High North.

“With new opportunities opening up and new challenges emerging, close cooperation on Arctic security and economic development among our nations is more important than ever as Europe and Canada are assuming a greater responsibility for deterrence and defence across the region.

“We also recognize the importance of economic and resource development in the Arctic and have tasked our experts to coordinate more closely on these issues, including research security, investment screening, and critical infrastructure modernization and protection. 

“We look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our common goal of a secure, prosperous, and peaceful Arctic.”