In a recent 45-minute call, Denmark's Prime Minister confirmed to Donald Trump that Greenland’s future lies in the hands of its people, following Trump's controversial remarks about acquiring the Arctic territory.
Denmark's PM Reiterates Greenland's Independence in Call with Trump
Denmark's PM Reiterates Greenland's Independence in Call with Trump
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserts Greenland's self-determination in recent dialogue with the US President-elect.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen engaged in a significant phone conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing that Greenland's fate should be determined by its own population. This discussion comes in response to Trump's prior comments indicating an interest in acquiring the autonomous territory, which is part of Denmark. During the call, Frederiksen reiterated sentiments expressed by Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, that the island is not for sale.
The phone conversation took place after Trump shared a 2019 poll revealing that 68% of Greenlanders supported the idea of independence from Denmark, a subject that may soon see a referendum. Frederiksen noted that Denmark would honor the decision made by Greenlanders regarding their future.
In her address, Frederiksen brought attention to the important contributions made by Danish companies to the US economy and advocated for enhanced ongoing trade relations between the EU and the United States. Recently, Trump threatened Denmark with high tariffs unless they conceded Greenland, a move that triggered significant anxiety within Denmark’s business community, as the US stands as Denmark’s second-largest export market.
This week, Frederiksen is set to meet with top business leaders for a strategic discussion and organize an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Policy Council, indicating the gravity of the situation. A member of the Greenlandic parliament expressed approval of Frederiksen's stance, voicing confidence in her leadership and collaboration with Egede.
Conversely, some critics, including opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov, condemned Frederiksen's remarks as an unacceptable renouncement of Danish sovereignty over Greenland during discussions with the US. The anxiety around Trump's ambitions towards Greenland has left Denmark in a careful position, striving to balance respect for its closest ally while affirming Greenland's rights to self-governance.
Political analysts noted that Trump's significant investment of time in the conversation reveals a serious intent regarding Greenland that surpasses mere speculation. The situation continues to develop as both Denmark and Greenland navigate their response to the unfolding narrative of potential international relations challenges.
