The US and Canadian governments say they are working to resolve a long-standing dispute over a maritime boundary in the Arctic.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the governments announced a joint task force to negotiate the Beaufort Sea boundary.
The two countries have overlapping claims to the seabed north of Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, which is believed to have rich oil and gas deposits.
“In a rapidly changing Arctic marked by new challenges and increased strategic competition, the region has become a growing focus for the United States and Canada,” the statement reads.
“Canada and the United States will work collaboratively toward a final agreement that will provide clarity on our Arctic maritime boundaries, bearing in mind the responsible conservation and sustainable use of Arctic resources for the mutual benefit of Americans and Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
The announcement comes as the Arctic is opening up due to climate change and amid increased cooperation between Russia and China in the region.
The joint task force is expected to begin negotiations this fall.
