Earlier this week I had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Greenland who visited this province to learn about our experiences with, and approaches to, major mineral and petroleum resource developments.

The group of nine was led by Joergen Waever Johansen, Greenland�s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The group�s primary interests are in the social, economic and labour market aspects of mineral and petroleum projects and associated processes engaging communities, residents and indigenous peoples. Officials at the Department of Mines and Energy arranged a series of presentations which were given by a cross section of industry, government and educational institutions. The delegates were impressed by, and appreciative of, both our hospitality and the quality of materials presented. I would therefore also like to acknowledge and thank participants from the Departments of Mines and Energy, Human Resources and Employment, and Education for their contributions to this successful event.

Seismic surveys conducted by Greenland's Geological Survey indicate significant potential for its offshore petroleum resources. Diamonds, gold, base metals and industrial minerals have also recently increased interests in the island's mineral potential.

The Greenland home rule government�s goal is to develop mineral and petroleum resource activities as mainstays of the country�s economy. The home rule is developing strategies to address immediate and longer term opportunities including, but not limited to, identifying and supplying specialized skills training; fostering students� career interests; and, enticing both potential employers and employees to increase resident�s participation in mineral and petroleum project activities.

In our increasingly interconnected world, economic and political issues are not contained solely by national boundaries. We must meet the challenges of the future by building bridges across borders and by forging new communities based on common interests.

Last August, I was pleased to welcome another delegation from Greenland and Denmark, a group of legislators and officials who were visiting to obtain information on how the province manages the policy and regulatory aspects of developing its mineral and offshore hydrocarbon resources.

It is important to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that we build upon our relationship with Greenland and Denmark, especially in sharing information on natural resource development. We have had tremendous growth in this sector over the years, especially with our offshore oil projects. We also have a mutual interest in the sustainable management of our shared marine environment.

Cooperation benefits us all. It is only through cooperation that we can achieve a stronger North Atlantic region and attain our shared goals.

2000 04 06                                                         2:15 p.m.