Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland issue a joint statement

Why is Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau promoting the Strategic Alliance of Middle Powers?

On the 15th, the Nordic countries and Canada held the Nordic-Canada Summit in Oslo, Norway, claiming support for NATO to “strengthen its presence, deterrence, and defense in the Arctic.” According to Reuters, this meeting is part of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s effort to build a new alliance of middle powers to reduce reliance on the United States.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, leaders from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Canada stated that amid escalating geopolitical tensions and multiple crises, all parties agree that international cooperation based on “international law, shared values, and common interests” remains the best way to enhance “common security and prosperity.”

The statement said that the six countries will engage in regular multi-level contacts to “advance common principles and interests,” strengthen coordination on “Arctic security,” unlock Arctic development potential, prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change, and “enhance regional security.”

The statement also said that the six countries will expand trade and investment ties and strengthen cooperation on clean energy technologies.

Trudeau mentioned that major powers increasingly use economic integration as a tool of pressure, and multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization and the United Nations have been severely weakened. Therefore, middle powers must unite to avoid becoming victims in great power rivalries. Trudeau vividly stated, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Source: Xinhua News Agency, Reference News

Editor: Li Yan