Creating the Arctic Coast Guard Forum is considered a significant step forward for international co-operation in the region and will flesh out previous search and rescue agreements.
“(The forum) will be an operationally focused organization that strengthens maritime co-operation and co-ordination in the Arctic,” said an emailed statement from the United States Coast Guard.
“The impetus for creating (it) grew out of the concerns of Arctic Council member countries over the increasing need to ensure safety, security, and stewardship of Arctic waters.”
The forum will also discuss emergency response, icebreaking and collaboration, said a statement from the Canadian government.
The deal will be signed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., at a meeting between the leaders of all eight services.
The signatories include Canada, the U.S., Russia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The meeting takes place next Wednesday through Friday.
