The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, stated firmly that “even if there is a debate about security, no country can annex another” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that he aims to acquire Greenland, a Dutch autonomous territory. According to Reuters and Bloomberg, Prime Minister Frederiksen, during a press conference on a warship during her first visit to Greenland on the 3rd local time, communicated this message. She added, alongside Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen and former Prime Minister Múte Egede, that she wants to take the opportunity to send a direct message to the U.S., emphasizing that the matter concerns the world order built across the Atlantic over generations, not just Greenland or Denmark.
The visit by Prime Minister Frederiksen drew attention as it occurred amid heightened tensions with the U.S., with President Trump expressing interest in acquiring Greenland for several months. President Trump argues that Denmark fails to play its role in ensuring the security of the autonomous Greenland, suggesting that the U.S. would be a better partner.
Denmark initially avoided public confrontation, but as the U.S.’s aspirations persisted, it has shifted to a firm stance. Prime Minister Frederiksen spoke about Greenland’s security initiatives, such as acquiring new Arctic ships, long-range drones, and satellite capabilities, and stressed that Denmark will invest more.
Furthermore, she proposed to the U.S. that if they are keen on greater involvement in Greenland and strengthening Arctic security like Denmark, they should collaborate. Before Frederiksen’s speech, the U.S. and Denmark had a ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, the first since President Trump took office, to exchange views.
#Greenland #Denmark
(Contact and tips for Yonhap News TV: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23)