Visit of the Greenlandic Premier Kuupik Kleist to Brussels

Seminar was a success with more than 60 participants, including officials from Representations, Embassies and the EU, as wells as lobbyist.

In his speech Premier Kleist emphasized that Greenland supports the EU's wish of a closer cooperation with the Arctic countries. However, cooperation should as a prerequisite be based on honest dialogue with respect for the Arctic countries and their traditional way of life, which involves a sustainable use of the natural resources. "If Europe is ready to listen to our concerns Greenland could become your Arctic window." Premier Kleist said in his speech.

Director Reinhard Priebe from Directorate General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, delivered a status on the EU’s Arctic Communication, which regards the engagement of the EU in the Arctic. Among other things Reinhard Priebe said ”I acknowledge your strong views on the EU position regarding whales and the imports of products derived from seals. I am also aware of the discussions on the imports of shrimps. We should discuss these issues openly”.

The seminar also featured presentations by a series of experts on Greenlandic matters. The presentations covered the right to self-determination, Relevance of EU policies on Indigenous Peoples, possibilities and perspectives of Greenland's oil and gas sector, and search and rescue in Greenland and the Arctic.

The Premier of Greenland Kuupik Kleist visited Brussels on the 29th and the 30th of October 2009, Mr. Kleist was the keynote speaker at a seminar held by the Greenland Representation to the EU. Mr. Kleist held meetings with Commissioner Joe Borg, the Swedish Ambassodor Jan Olson as well as Vice-President of the European Parliament Diana Wallis. On the agenda included the EU's arctic policies, a status on preparation of the implementation of the regulation on seal products and the toll-free access of Greenlandic fisheries products to the European market. During the meetings there was a friendly exchange of information and points of view.

Link to the presentations at the seminar.