Summary of article in Billed Bladet #10, 2018.
Written by our correspondent in Toronto, Marianne Singer.
Frederik did indeed have some nice words to say about Greenland and how close the country is to his heart and how glad he is to be able to help Greenland and Greenlandic companies.
He said among other things:
"Greenland is very close to my heart, It's good to be in company with Greenland and the Greenlanders who are here and who I know a little. And that I will always do a lot for and go the extra mile for. That's why it's a pleasure to help and support them and spread a little light on their cause in getting their own economy up and running.
I have never felt the presence of nature stronger than when I have been traveling in Greenland.
Personally I have a really good and strong relationship to Greenland and it's inhabitants. It's a country that has a lot to offer and which has given me many lovely memories, adventures and friendships."
Frederik was in return referred to as "our good friend" in a speech.
In fact Frederik is wearing something that reminds him of his close relationship with Greenland 24/7 - his wedding ring.
He and Mary's weddings rings were made from a now closed gold mine in Greenland. Alas, he lost his ring, during a dive off Florida in 2008, but there enough gold left from the mine for him to have made a new ring.
Mining in the arctic is full of challenges and that is something Canada has experience with and that is something where Greenland is eager to start a cooperation.
But it wasn't only Greenlandic products being presented at the exhibition, the Danish architect firm 3XN was there as well, and they presented a model for ten story building made from timber, that will be build in Canada. When finished it will be the tallest timber building in North America.
- Canada and Denmark (on behalf of Greenland) has had a year long, but very civilized dispute over an island in water between Greenland and Canada, Hans Island/Hans Ø (as is the correct name.
The Island is after all Danish/Greenlandic.
)
It's basically a large rock sticking up from the ocean, very, very,
very far from anywhere! But with the changing climate where the ice is melting, it will be only a matter of time before the North West Passage will be open for commercial shipping and who controls Hans Island, controls that part of the passage, hence why there is a dispute.
Okay, so far the dispute has consisted of Danish and Canadian warships from time to time arriving at the island, ice permitting. Where the crew with a little ceremony raise the flag and lay official claim on the island. (In the case of the Danes confirming the ownership of the island.
) - And each party leave a bottle of whiskey or schnapps for the next crew who come visiting. Within a few days any flag will have been swept away by the wind, no matter how well secured!
Ironically that dispute has led to two positive things for Canada.
When the dispute became public some years back, Canada realized that they were unable to enforce any Arctic presence. And as such and more ominously that applied to a
lot of Canada as well!
There was no equivalent to the Sirius Patrol going that far away. There were no bases able to service patrol planes routinely being able to go that far away. There were no ships able to operate in such faraway and icy waters. - While Denmark routinely operated a military presence all over Greenland.
It was also realized that for the few people who live in that general area of Canada, it was easier to fly them to Greenland, using planes from Greenland and then fly them to Copenhagen for specialist medical treatment there. The hospitals in Canada were relatively speaking simply too far away.
That realization has led to Canada building up its military presence in the arctic parts of Canada and starting a building program, where patrol ships able to operate in the arctic have now been added to the Canadian navy.
Canada also realized that Danish Hercules transport planes and Challenger surveillance planes routine use gravel strips in Northern Greenland, so an agreement has been made that in case of emergencies (medical issues and it has been hinted in police emergencies as well!) Canada can now contact Greenland Command directly and ask for assistance without having to clear that higher up. - Canada: We have a medical emergency, can you help? - DK: Sure, where? - Canada: Coordinates XX. - DK: Okay, clear a strip for us, and keep us informed about the weather, and we will try and make it.
In return the new Canadian ships help patrolling Greenlandic waters.
- It's a fascinating and positive development that has been interesting to follow.
You can find most of this in Canadian papers.
Thanks Polyesco. Great pictures! 
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