U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday rejected President-elect Donald Trump‘s proposal to acquire Greenland, labeling it as “obviously not a good” idea and asserting that it would not materialize. Trump had reiterated his interest in the autonomous territory of Denmark on Tuesday, suggesting that the U.S. might need to consider force to gain control over the expansive Arctic island, citing national security concerns.

Blinken emphasized the importance of collaboration with allies during a press conference in Paris alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. He stated, “One of the fundamental principles we’ve adhered to over the past four years is that we are more robust, more effective, and achieve better outcomes when we work closely with our allies, rather than making statements or taking actions that could alienate them.” He further remarked, “The notion regarding Greenland is clearly not a sound one, and more importantly, it is evidently not going to happen, so we should not spend excessive time discussing it.”

Denmark’s foreign minister noted on Wednesday that while Greenland could pursue independence if its residents desired it, the likelihood of it becoming a U.S. state remains low. Trump, who will assume office on January 20, has indicated a willingness to adopt a foreign policy that disregards traditional diplomatic protocols, also not ruling out military or economic measures in his ambition to regain control of the Panama Canal.

In 2019, President Trump canceled a planned trip to Denmark after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected his proposal for the United States to buy Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953 and is currently a semi-autonomous territory within the Danish realm.

Greenland, which is part of NATO due to Denmark’s membership, holds strategic importance for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system, as the most direct route from Europe to North America passes through this Arctic island.

Prime Minister Mute Egede of Greenland has emphasized that the island is not for sale and, during his New Year address, intensified calls for independence.