Brussels: Belgium will participate in an international reconnaissance mission in Greenland starting Monday, with the Defence Ministry set to deploy one officer to the Arctic region, as announced by Defence Minister Theo Francken and Foreign Minister Maxime Pr©vot on Friday. Belgium follows in the footsteps of several other European nations, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands, which recently declared their intentions to send military personnel to the area.
According to Emirates News Agency, the reconnaissance mission is conducted under Danish command and is part of broader NATO efforts to bolster military presence and training opportunities in the strategically significant Arctic region. The mission’s goal is to identify prospects for future military exercises in Greenland, as well as opportunities to enhance military presence for deterrence and defence. Subsequent to this reconnaissance, further consultations will be conducted within NATO regarding specific training and exercise activities in the region.
Minister of Defence Francken highlighted the mission’s significance, stating, “Security in the Arctic region is of strategic importance to the entire alliance. By participating in this reconnaissance mission, we are demonstrating our commitment within NATO and contributing to the collective efforts to secure this strategically important region.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Pr©vot stressed the mission’s importance in strengthening international cooperation, noting, “This reconnaissance mission is fully in line with our efforts to strengthen international cooperation. The Arctic region requires a joint approach by all allies. Belgium is happy to take its responsibility in this regard.”
Further decisions regarding Belgian involvement in any subsequent steps, such as potential participation in an Arctic Sentry operation, will be made later in close consultation among government partners, as per the ministers.
