The resolution adopted by the MPs from the USA, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway stressed the importance of strengthened cooperation.

Challenging times for international cooperation

During the conference, several delegates pointed out the problems for regional collaboration prompted by the US Administration’s statements about Greenland. The parliamentarians underscored the importance of international law and Greenland’s right to self-determination. Many also emphasized the key role played by Senator Lisa Murkowski (USA) and Aaja Chemnitz (Greenland) in promoting continued dialogue in difficult times.

“Arctic cooperation is more important now than ever. It’s vital that we continue to work and talk together, even in challenging times,” underlined Lars Haltbrekken, head of the Norwegian delegation.

Visit to the Permafrost Research Tunnel

The delegates also visited the world’s only permafrost tunnel. There, they were able to see with their own eyes what permafrost looks like with its various layers of earth and ice. They learnt more about what happens when the permafrost thaws, and the level of planning necessary when building roads or houses on permafrost ground.

Visit to the Permafrost Research Tunnel. Photo: Storting

Conference statement

In the statement adopted at the end of the conference, the parliamentarians underlined how vital Arctic cooperation was, and stressed the importance of collaboration with the Arctic’s indigenous peoples.

Read the conference statement in full (pdf)

The Storting's Delegation for Arctic Parliamentary Cooperation