Travel to Denmark, Iceland, and Greenland, May 16-20, 2021

Summary

• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Kangerlussuaq from May 16-20.

• Secretary Blinken began his trip in Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark, where he met with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod to discuss our strong bilateral ties, commitment to combating the climate crisis, and our shared interest in strengthening the transatlantic relationship.  The Secretary met with leaders and innovators leading the transition to green technologies and working to combat climate change.  He also engaged with Foreign Minister Kofod, Faroese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Culture Jenis av Rana, and Greenlandic Minister of Foreign Affairs, Business, and Trade Pele Broberg to discuss strengthening our partnership with the entire Kingdom and our common efforts in the Arctic and High North.

• Secretary Blinken then traveled on May 17 to Reykjavik, Iceland, where he met with President Gudni Johannesson, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, and Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thordarson.  They discussed the U.S.-Iceland relationship, a shared commitment to promoting human rights, action against the climate crisis, strengthening the transatlantic relationship, and Arctic security.  The Secretary also toured Keflavik Air Base.

• While in Reykjavik, Secretary Blinken participated in the May 19-20 Arctic Council Ministerial.  The Secretary looked forward to joining the seven other Arctic States and the six Permanent Participant organizations representing indigenous peoples of the Arctic at this biennial gathering.  During the meeting, the Secretary advanced efforts to sustain the Arctic as a region of peace, free of conflict, where Arctic Council members collaborated on shared priorities to protect the wellbeing of Arctic communities and address the ever-growing threat and impacts of the climate crisis.  The Secretary also had bilateral meetings with other Arctic States.  The Ministerial marked the conclusion of Iceland’s two-year Arctic Council Chairmanship and recognized the 25th anniversary of the Arctic Council’s creation.

• Secretary Blinken traveled to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where he met with Greenlandic Premier Múte Bourup Egede and Minister Broberg, together with Foreign Minister Kofod.  They discussed the strong partnership between the United States and Greenland and our shared commitment to increase cooperation in the Arctic.