The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, stated that the "United States shouldn’t annex Greenland," during her three-day visit to the semiautonomous region. This trip aims to foster greater trust and collaboration between Denmark’s government and local authorities in Greenland.
This development occurs as the Trump administration aims to exert control over the extensive Arctic region. Known for its rich mineral deposits and strategic importance, Greenland is an increasingly accessible island due to global warming. President Trump has emphasized that this large area is vital for U.S. national security.
Frederiksen announced plans for her visit after US Vice President JD Vance visited a US air base in Greenland last week and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory.
Upon her arrival, Frederiksen stated that she aims to "support Greenland during a very challenging time." She expressed, "To all the people in Greenland, let me assure you that my sole desire is to utilize every resource at my disposal to ensure the well-being of this magnificent nation."
Frederiksen is meeting the incoming Greenlandic leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, after an election last month that produced a new government. She is also to meet with the future Naalakkersuisut, the Cabinet, in a visit due to last through Friday.
“It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland," she said in government statement announcing the visit.
On the agenda are talks with Nielsen about cooperation between Greenland and Denmark.
Recently, Nielsen stated that she approves of the visit and that Greenland would oppose any U.S. effort to incorporate the territory into their own land.
For many years, the inhabitants of Greenland, who number around 57,000, have been striving for potential autonomy from Denmark.
The Trump administration's threats to take control of the island one way or the other, possibly even with military force, have angered many in Greenland and Denmark. The incoming government wants to take a slower approach on the question of eventual independence.