GRU, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 77: Indberetning fra Rigsombudsmanden i Grønland

Grønlandsudvalget 2021-22
GRU Alm.del Bilag 77
Offentligt

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION

BETWEEN:

The Government of Greenland

and

The Government of Nunavut

CONSIDERING

that the Government of Greenland commence this Memorandum in respect of

Greenland pursuant to Act no. 473 of 12 June 2009 on Greenland Self-Government;

IN ACCORDANCE WITH

point 11 of the October 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on

Cooperation, the Government of Greenland and the Government of Nunavut hereby seek to amend

and update objectives in the Memorandum;

ACKNOWLEDGING

Greenland and Nunavut’s common cultural and social heritage, language

and historic links;

BELIEVING

that the shared cultural and social heritage, historic links and geographic relationship

implies the foundation for a mutual beneficial cooperation between the two jurisdictions;

RECOGNISING

the shared wish to strengthen, develop and build cooperation between the two

governments;

Common Action and Initiatives

In regards to the respective developments of Greenland and Nunavut, there is a mutual wish to

update the objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to properly reflect their

respective communities and governments, and to strengthen cooperation. The general goals and

objectives set out in the Memorandum of 2000 will still apply to priorities/issues/topics which are

not listed in the following Memorandum.

The Governments and institutions of Greenland and Nunavut recognize the interest and aspiration

to bolster cooperation within, but not limited to, the following areas:

Cultural/performing arts;

Education;

Increased mobility between Greenland and Nunavut, including increased flight connections;

Deep Sea Ports;

Fisheries industry;

Sharing of best practices/technology; i.e. Green Energy;

Update past Annexes

GRU, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 77: Indberetning fra Rigsombudsmanden i Grønland

Closer Cultural Cooperation

Cultural interaction and creativity are vital in maintaining and renewing linguistic and cultural

expressions in the Inuit languages, and enhance the development of culture and the progress of

society as a whole. Therefore, close cultural cooperation to facilitate the exchange, sharing and

learning between the societies is essential and desirable.

Strengthened cooperation regarding education

Education is an essential way to build capacity in both Greenland and Nunavut, and the

development of both societies requires continued progress in education programming and

achievement. By recognizing the shared historical bonds, ways of life, and social and cultural

heritage, it is only natural to further strengthen the cooperation regarding education to customize

education opportunities to the lives and societies of the Inuit as well as to the Arctic region.

Increased mobility between Nunavut and Greenland

Though geographically close, moving between Nunavut and Greenland is increasingly challenging.

Challenges to travel include the lack of administrative centers, high costs and the lack of air travel

opportunities between these two neighbours. The requirements of cross-border travel and freight

also act as a significant deterrence to many people in the region. The Governments of Nunavut and

Greenland will seek to secure increased mobility between Nunavut and Greenland, with minimal

interference and regulation.

Resumption and Development of flight connections

There are cultural bonds between the two countries, and reasonable routes and prices are essential to

maintain these close bonds and to further strengthening this relationship. From 1981 to 2001, and

again from 2012 to 2014, there were direct flights between Greenland and Nunavut. It is vital to

explore the possibilities of resuming direct flight connections. Both Greenland and Nunavut have

invested in new airports, which may facilitate new opportunities for commercial, cultural,

institutional and other exchanges.

GRU, Alm.del - 2021-22 - Bilag 77: Indberetning fra Rigsombudsmanden i Grønland

Cooperation possibilities for Deep Sea Ports

The Parties will explore possible cooperation for deep sea ports. The cooperation may include

sharing technical knowledge in regards to constructing deep sea ports, implementation of

international conventions and treaties such as the ISPS code, and shared usage of such ports. Usage

of each other’s ports may promote increased trade between Greenland and Nunavut, and may lead

to better utilization of each other’s logistical networks to Europe and North America.

Deepening of cooperation in the Fisheries Industry

Greenland and Nunavut share many similarities and conditions in the area of fisheries. Therefore,

fishermen, industry, scientists and government institutions are encouraged to share their knowledge

and experiences on the management, science, techniques, processing, and promoting local

livelihoods in the fisheries industry. Furthermore, Parties should encourage the cooperation and

innovation between private industries. The goal is to facilitate cooperation on achieving and

maintaining biologically and economically sustainable fisheries in shared waters between

Greenland and Nunavut to the benefit of both parties.

Sharing of best practices within technology; i.e. Green Energy

The necessary development of Green Energy is an important part of the green transition for both

Nunavut and Greenland. It is agreed to work for the sharing of best practices with Green Energy in

our northern and isolated communities, bringing professionals together in both Nunavut and

Greenland.

This Memorandum of Understanding is signed in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday August 26th, 2022.

__________________________________

The Honourable P.J. Akeeagok

Premier

Government of Nunavut

__________________________________

The Honourable Múte B. Egede

Prime Minister

Government of Greenland