On Sunday, Greenland and Denmark reached an agreement to enhance their relationship in light of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s interest in acquiring the strategically significant Arctic island, as stated by their leaders following discussions in Copenhagen.
Greenland’s newly appointed Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen arrived in the Danish capital on Saturday for a three-day visit, symbolizing unity between the mineral-rich island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and Denmark itself.
‘We find ourselves in a foreign policy context that necessitates closer collaboration,’ Nielsen remarked during a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This visit comes after months of tension stemming from Trump’s persistent assertions that Greenland should be part of the United States.
Both leaders have emphasized that only the people of Greenland can determine the territory’s future. Nevertheless, they are navigating a sensitive balance between firmly rejecting U.S. aspirations for annexation and preserving amicable relations with their longstanding ally.
‘We are prepared for a robust partnership with the U.S. and further development, but we demand respect… We will never be a commodity that can be purchased by anyone,’ Nielsen stated.
He also mentioned that the ongoing expansion of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, which was agreed upon prior to Trump’s presidency, has raised concerns among the Greenlandic populace.
When asked if he had communicated with the U.S. administration since taking office earlier this month, Nielsen neither confirmed nor denied the inquiry. The improving relations between Nuuk and Copenhagen follow Greenland’s former prime minister’s December accusation against Denmark for a historical ‘genocide’ in Greenland and a subsequent push for independence in January.
Frederiksen indicated that Denmark is prepared to invest more in Greenland and to provide financial support as Greenland assumes greater responsibility for its domestic affairs, which she referred to as a ‘modernization’ of their relationship.
Denmark has urged for enhanced Arctic defense cooperation with the United States, with both Nielsen and Frederiksen expressing their commitment on Sunday to bolster defense efforts in the area. Additionally, Denmark’s King Frederik is set to visit Greenland on Monday as a further demonstration of support.
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