Danish Prime Minister responds to Trump's ambitions for Greenland
Photo: Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen (Getty Images)
In a conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to his ambitions for Greenland. She stated that the island's autonomy must decide on its independence, according to Frederiksen's office.
It was reported that the Danish Prime Minister held a phone conversation with Donald Trump today. She emphasized the importance of strengthening security in the Arctic and noted that the Kingdom of Denmark is ready to take on even greater responsibility in this regard.
"In the discussion, the Prime Minister referred to statements by Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede that Greenland is not for sale. The Prime Minister says Greenland should decide on independence on its own," the statement reads.
Frederiksen highlighted that Danish companies contribute to growth and job creation in the United States and that the EU and the US share a mutual interest in strengthening trade.
During the conversation, the parties discussed the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with China. The call lasted 45 minutes, and both parties agreed to continue the dialogue.
Background
Donald Trump has recently expressed his desire to make Greenland a part of the United States and has not ruled out using force to persuade Denmark.
Currently, the island is a semi-sovereign territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, advocates for independence and emphasizes that the people of Greenland should decide their future themselves.
It was reported that Denmark privately sent Trump’s team a proposal to discuss not the purchase of Greenland but other requests related to the island. Mette Frederiksen sought to clarify the situation in a personal conversation with Trump.
This week, Trump’s allies introduced a bill regarding the purchase of Greenland, proposing to authorize him to begin negotiations as soon as he officially takes office on January 20.
Prime Minister Múte Egede reiterates that Greenland is interested in strengthening ties with the United States but on its own terms. This primarily involves military cooperation and the development of the mining industry.
