UK plans Faroe Islands partnership and stronger North Atlantic monitoring

The UK plans to sign a bilateral cooperation declaration with the Faroe Islands and increase military monitoring in the North Atlantic, according to a new Arctic strategy reported by Kringvarp Føroya (KVF).

The strategy, titled The UK and the Arctic and updated in October, says Britain wants closer cooperation with the Faroe Islands in areas of shared interest. It does not specify what the declaration will cover or when it is expected to be signed.

Britain also plans to strengthen military surveillance in the North Atlantic using warships, aircraft and new technology. Particular focus will be placed on the sea area between Greenland, Iceland and the UK, known as the GIUK gap, which the strategy says is of strategic importance to NATO.

The strategy cites increased Russian military activity and says the UK intends to strengthen the protection of undersea cables and infrastructure. It also states that Britain respects the right to self-determination of the three parts of the Danish Realm.