On January 6 local time, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden issued a joint statement. The statement noted that as Nordic, Arctic, and NATO member states, the five countries are jointly committed to maintaining security, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic region. They have taken all necessary measures to strengthen deterrence and defense in the region and support NATO’s enhanced presence and vigilance there. The statement noted that Arctic security is founded on respect for the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, including the principle of the inviolability of borders. The Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland) is a founding member of NATO and has historically cooperated closely with the United States on Arctic security matters; the 1951 Defense Agreement provided an opportunity for security cooperation. The statement reaffirmed that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland should be decided by Denmark and Greenland themselves. (CCTV)