Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark announced on Saturday that she will be visiting Greenland from April 2 to 4 to hold discussions with the new government of the semi-autonomous territory. This visit comes in light of U.S. interest in potentially taking control of the Arctic island.
“I am eager to further strengthen the close and reliable collaboration between Greenland and Denmark,” stated Frederiksen.
During a recent visit to a U.S. military base in northern Greenland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark, which has administered Greenland since 1721, for what he perceived as inadequate efforts in ensuring the island’s security. He implied that the United States could better safeguard the strategically important island.
Vance’s remarks came shortly after Greenland formed a new broad coalition government, headed by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who emphasized Denmark as its closest ally.
While respecting the right of the Greenlandic people to determine their own future, Frederiksen refuted Vance’s characterization of Denmark as unjust during her statement on Saturday.
“I hold the utmost admiration for how the Greenlandic population and politicians are navigating the immense pressures faced by Greenland,” she expressed.
“This is a situation that requires solidarity across political divides and among the nations within the Realm.”
