Greenland’s leader Múte Egede has shut down Donald Trump’s attempt to gain control of the territory, but has agreed to negotiate with the President-elect.
Speaking at a press conference in Denmark on Friday, Egede emphasised that any talks would focus on areas of mutual interest regarding the mineral-rich Arctic territory.
Two weeks ahead of Trump’s inauguration, the Greenlandic leader acknowledged the strategic importance of Greenland to the US, saying: “We are ready to talk. Cooperation is built on dialogue and finding solutions together.”
As he spoke alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the conference revealed that Danish officials have been in private communication with Trump’s team ahead of January 20.
The conference revealed that Danish officials have been in private communication with Trump’s team ahead of January 20
REUTERS
According to an Axios report, these secret communiques have indicated Denmark’s openness to exploring how American security interests could be addressed without transferring formal sovereignty over Greenland.
Previously, Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland was met with swift rejections from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders.
Some politicians had previously labelled the idea as “completely ridiculous” or “a joke”.
Accompanied by other representatives of the incoming American President, Donald Trump Jr. visited Nuuk, Greenland on Tuesday.
During his visit, Trump Jr. stopped at a local eatery where he arranged a call with his father on speakerphone.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
“I just want to say, it’s a very special place. It needs security for itself, but also needs security, very much, for the world,” the President-elect told residents through the phone.
Trump Sr. had previously shared on Truth Social: “Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen.”
Greenland, a former Danish colony since the 18th century, gained self-governing status in 1953.
The territory was granted the right to declare independence through a public vote in 2009, which was strongly supported by current leader Egede.
“We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house … This is something everyone should respect,” Egede said.
Previously, Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland was met with swift rejections from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders
REUTERS/GETTY
He added firmly: “Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.”
Denmark currently retains responsibility for Greenland’s defence.
Now, melting ice has opened new shipping routes, intensifying competition among global powers for influence in the region as the territory’s location between the US and Russia also makes it particularly valuable from a geopolitical perspective.
Greenland and its surrounding waters also contain abundant natural resources, which has contributed to increased international interest in the territory, though Greenlandic leaders maintain their focus on self-determination and independence rather than alignment with foreign powers.