Helsinki, Jun 27 (IANS): Increased international cooperation is essential in tackling major global challenges, the Prime Ministers of the five Nordic countries have stressed during their annual summer meeting convened in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.

This year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was specially invited to join the meeting of the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a joint statement following the meeting on Monday, the leaders emphasised the necessity for effective and inclusive multilateralism to address pressing global issues such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and global inequalities while also ensuring peace and stability.

According to the statement, the leaders in their discussion highlighted the significance of the Arctic Ocean as one of the world's largest and most pristine ecosystems, vital for maintaining a secure and stable global climate. They also stressed the need for further actions to promote healthy oceans.