UK foreign minister to urge NATO to focus on Arctic in Finland/Norway visit

Cooper's trip will focus on Russia, which the foreign office described in a statement as the "greatest threat" to Arctic security.

In Finland, Cooper will meet border guards defending NATO's eastern flank with Russia, while in Norway she will visit marines taking part in a live training exercise.

The high north, which includes Greenland, is home to key shipping routes and critical infrastructure such as undersea cables, making the region vital to Britain's security, the foreign office said.

"The UK and Norway share a determination to ensure Russia does not succeed in its illegal war of aggression," the foreign office said, adding that Russia posed a threat through its military activity, risks to undersea infrastructure and the use of its "shadow fleet".