London, Jan 14 (NationPress) British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged NATO to "enhance its military and security footprint in the Arctic," pointing out that this area is becoming "a battleground of geopolitical rivalry" as climate change unveils new shipping lanes and reveals essential resources.

During her trip to Finland and Norway, Cooper emphasized that Arctic security is "crucial for the protection of both Britain and NATO," highlighting the necessity to "fortify regional defenses to deter Russia and safeguard critical infrastructure," as stated in a press release from the Foreign Office.

According to Cooper, "The Arctic is set to become an increasingly vital frontier for NATO," and she noted that Britain and its allies are collaborating to bolster defenses in the High North to thwart any threats to their interests and undersea infrastructure.

The High North is home to significant shipping routes and essential national infrastructure, including undersea cables, which British officials claim are becoming more susceptible to hostile actions, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Cooper's itinerary includes discussions with Finnish border guards securing NATO's eastern perimeter with Russia and a visit to Camp Viking in northern Norway, where British Royal Marines are engaged in cold-weather military exercises.

The release indicated that Britain has "historically been a frontrunner" in the Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of ten northern European countries dedicated to High North security. The force recently executed its largest military exercise to date, named "Tarassis," deploying thousands of troops, numerous ships, vehicles, and aircraft across the Baltic and North Atlantic.

In related news, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will inaugurate a consulate in Greenland on February 6, a tangible demonstration of support for the island amid the United States' repeated claims over it.

In an interview with French radio RTL, Barrot stated that Greenland does not wish to be owned, governed, or integrated by the United States, emphasizing that the island has chosen to remain within the framework of Denmark, NATO, and the European Union.

His comments come as US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the island, suggesting the potential for military intervention.

Labeling such statements as "incongruous," Barrot noted that it would be illogical for one NATO member to assault another, asserting that such actions would contradict US interests.

The French minister highlighted the significance of international law, stating that it has been compromised by recent US actions.

"International law is being disregarded, and the early days of 2026 have clearly illustrated that the law of the strong now governs state relations," he remarked, adding that this necessitates Europe and its allies to fortify themselves.

Barrot also emphasized the importance of showing solidarity with Denmark in light of US pressure, noting that French officials have engaged in extensive discussions with their Danish and Greenlandic counterparts in the recent past.