Credited from: THEHILL
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has arrived in Greenland for a three-day visit aimed at reinforcing the territory's autonomy amidst escalating tensions with the United States. This visit comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's repeated assertions of interest in controlling the resource-rich Arctic island for security reasons.
Frederiksen stated, "It is clear that with the pressure put on Greenland by the Americans, in terms of sovereignty, borders and the future, we need to stay united" upon her arrival. Her visit follows closely after Vice President JD Vance's visit, which was viewed as controversial and provoked criticism from both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
During her discussions, Frederiksen expressed support for the newly inaugurated Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. She emphasized the importance of solidarity between Denmark and Greenland, stating, “The US shall not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” This statement resonates with public sentiment in Greenland, where polls indicate that a majority of the population is in favor of independence from Denmark without aligning with US interests.
The backdrop of Frederiksen's visit highlights the growing pressure from the Trump administration, with Vance accusing Denmark of underinvesting in Greenland’s security. In response, Frederiksen noted the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between the countries. “Most of all, we need to discuss the foreign and security policy situation," she remarked, underscoring the current geopolitical climate.
Analysis by experts suggests that Frederiksen’s visit is crucial for ensuring Greenland feels supported in light of US ambitions. Experts assert that her presence marks a significant departure from Denmark's previously subdued response to American overtures regarding Greenland's status, reflecting a united front in the face of perceived American annexation attempts.
Local sentiment reinforced during Frederiksen’s visit indicates a desire for greater autonomy, with many Greenlanders advocating for an eventual independence that emphasizes self-determination rather than alignment with US policies. This evolving diplomatic relationship signals Denmark's commitment to supporting Greenland, particularly as the latter navigates its own path towards potential sovereignty.
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