Denmark has mentioned Korea as an important partner for future collaboration in its new Arctic Strategy for 2011-2020.

“It is no secret that the consequences of global warming are felt all over the planet, especially in the Arctic region, where global warming is proceeding twice as fast as elsewhere,” said Danish Ambassador Peter Lysholt Hansen.

The kingdom, which consists of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, aims to protect the environment as well as securing benefits from the ongoing changes.

The Arctic region is estimated to have about 30 percent of the world’s gas reserves and 10 percent of the world’s untapped oil reserves along with minerals and rare earth elements.

The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the strategy along with the Greenland and Faroe Islands government, saying that it could result in a gold rush. 

“A rush in which the Kingdom does not want to be alone,” said Hansen.

Along with China and Japan, Korea was mentioned as a potential stakeholder and future collaborator.

The Korean government has already significantly increased its research activities and political engagement in the Arctic region.

Hansen hopes that Korean companies will see the direct request as an opportunity to expand and create businesses in the Arctic.

For the full presentation of the “Kingdom of Denmark Strategy for the Arctic 2011-2020,” visit the embassy’s website at www.ambseoul.um.dk.

(yoav@heraldcorp.com)