Denmark and United States to discuss Greenland in future negotiations
Photo: Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen agreed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the issue of Greenland at a later time. This was the result of their 20-minute conversation, The Guardian reports.
During the meeting between the foreign ministers of Denmark and the United States, a range of topics was discussed, including:
- the situation in Ukraine,
- European security,
- the Middle East.
Although Arctic security was not the main focus, the ministers agreed to revisit the issue of Greenland in future negotiations, which will also involve Greenland itself.
Denmark aims to address matters related to this territory following recent statements by US President Donald Trump about the United States' interest in controlling Greenland to ensure international security.
Separately, directly addressing some of Trump's criticisms of NATO, Rasmussen stated that "Denmark is ready to shoulder a greater share of the responsibility for its security."
Trump's statements on Greenland
US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to make Greenland part of the United States, even suggesting that force could be used to persuade Denmark.
For centuries, the island has been under Denmark's control — initially as a colony and now as a semi-sovereign territory within the Danish Kingdom. Greenland is subject to Denmark's constitution, meaning any change in its legal status would require constitutional amendments.
It was previously reported that Denmark privately sent proposals to Trump’s team regarding Greenland. While Copenhagen has no intention of "selling" the island, it is open to discussing other US requests.
Trump's future National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that the president is considering various options for establishing control over Greenland.
Additionally, Trump’s allies introduced a bill proposing the "purchase of Greenland," which would allow him to begin negotiations once he officially assumes office on January 20.
Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland during a conversation with the US President-elect. She emphasized that the island’s autonomy must independently decide on its path to independence.
