Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, firmly stated that the Arctic island will never be viewed as a mere “piece of property” to be acquired. His remarks come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestions regarding the sovereignty of the Danish autonomous territory, a proposal that Mr. Nielsen characterized as lacking fundamental respect.
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As he embarked on his inaugural visit to Denmark since taking office, the shadow of President Trump’s threats to take control of Greenland loomed large. “We will never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by anyone, and that’s the message I think is most important to understand,” Mr. Nielsen emphasized when speaking to reporters alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Prime Minister Frederiksen had previously visited Greenland in April, where she reminded the United States that “you cannot annex another country.” The diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Denmark have intensified, particularly following repeated assertions from President Trump asserting a desire to acquire the resource-rich island for security purposes.
“I think we need that for international peace, and if we don’t have that, it’s a big threat to our world. So I think Greenland is very important for international peace,” Trump stated during a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Expressing concern over the tone of discussions with the U.S., Mr. Nielsen remarked, “We are in a situation now where we need to stand together. The talk from the United States has not been respectful.” Prime Minister Frederiksen echoed his sentiments, affirming, “I totally agree with that.”
Mr. Nielsen reiterated Greenland’s willingness to strengthen ties with the United States. “We are ready for a strong partnership, we are ready for more development, but we want respect,” he said. “You cannot have a partner where there is no mutual respect.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently visited Greenland as well, an event that was viewed by both Greenland and Denmark as provocative. In a statement during his tour of the Pituffik U.S. military base, he criticized Denmark for allegedly failing the people of Greenland. “You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass,” he asserted at a press conference.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen responded on social media, stating, “We are open to criticisms, but let me be completely honest, we do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered.”
Emphasizing Greenland’s right to self-determination, Mr. Nielsen boldly declared, “The United States will not get Greenland. We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future,” further solidifying the island’s stance on independence.
During his two-day visit to Copenhagen, Mr. Nielsen will also meet with Denmark’s King Frederik and representatives from the Danish parliament. Following this, Denmark’s Royal House announced that the king would accompany him back to Greenland for a visit to the Arctic island.
Public sentiment in Greenland indicates a strong desire for independence from Denmark, with a significant majority of its 57,000 residents wishing to chart their own course without becoming part of the United States.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
