Rubio says the parties in 'good place' when it comes to Greenland talks

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing concluded on Wednesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplaying President Donald Trump's rift with NATO allies over Greenland in his testimony.

Rubio noted technical talks with Denmark and Greenland officials over Arctic security are now underway.

He said: "And I thought it was noteworthy and important that despite your concerns, the president at his speech in Davos made very clear that the United States was not going to use force or military force in Greenland. So I think we're going to wind up in a good place. We've got a little bit of work to do, but I think were going to wind up in good place, and I think you'll hear the same from our colleagues in Europe very shortly."

Canadian Governor General Mary Simon is Greenland-bound next week to attend the opening of Canada's first consulate in Nuuk and hold talks with leaders.

This marks the first visit to Greenland by a Canadian governor general since 1982.

Simon was quoted as saying in a press release that "The Arctic is stronger when nations work together."