Trump’s desire for US dominance prompts Greenland and Denmark to reaffirm their partnership

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire to seize control of the strategically important Arctic island, Greenland and Denmark agreed Sunday to deepen their relationship, their leaders announced following discussions in Copenhagen.

To show solidarity between the mineral-rich island, a semi-autonomous Danish province, and Denmark, Greenland’s new prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, arrived in the Danish capital on Saturday for a three-day visit.

During a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen stated, “We are in a foreign policy situation which means we have to move closer together.”

Trump’s frequent claims that Greenland should join the US have caused tension for months, and Nielsen’s visit comes after those claims.

Only Greenlanders can determine the destiny of the territory, according to the leaders of Denmark and Greenland. They have had to balance maintaining positive relations with their longstanding ally with firmly rejecting the United States’ aspirations to occupy Greenland.

“While we are prepared for greater development and a solid collaboration (with the U.S.), we also want respect… “We will never be a piece of real estate that anyone can purchase,” Nielsen declared.

He claimed that the U.S. consulate’s continuous growth in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, which was decided upon prior to Trump’s election, was making the people of Greenland anxious.

In response to a question about whether he had communicated with the U.S. administration since assuming office earlier this month, Nielsen did not confirm or confirm.

The improved ties between Nuuk and Copenhagen follow Greenland’s previous prime minister’s accusations of a historical “genocide” in Greenland in December and his increased drive for independence from Denmark in January.

According to Frederiksen, Denmark is prepared to increase its financial support and investment in Greenland as it assumes greater responsibility for domestic matters from Copenhagen. This is part of what she described as a “modernization” of their relationship.

Both Nielsen and Frederiksen declared on Sunday that they were dedicated to bolstering defense in the Arctic, and Denmark has advocated for greater cooperation with the United States in this area.

King Frederik of Denmark will visit Greenland on Monday as part of an additional demonstration of solidarity.