Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Greenland on Monday for talks with the semi-autonomous territory's future government. The visit comes amid heightened American interest in the Arctic and repeated statements by US President Donald Trump about the possibility of taking control of the island, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Frederiksen began her three-day visit less than a week after a visit by US Vice President J.D. Vance, which was met with restraint by authorities in Denmark and Greenland.
Before her arrival, the Danish prime minister said her main goal was to strengthen Copenhagen's ties with the island, emphasizing the importance of “mutual respect“ in cooperation between the two countries, especially at a time of “increased pressure on Greenland“.
Frederiksen is expected to make an official statement to the media later today.
Greenland's incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who won parliamentary elections last month and will lead a coalition government, welcomed Frederiksen's visit. He said on Monday that Denmark remains “Greenland's closest partner”. The new coalition is expected to officially take office on April 7.
Tensions between Greenland and Denmark have increased in recent years after allegations of mistreatment of the local population during colonial rule were revealed.
American interest in Greenland, part of Washington's broader strategy for influence in the Arctic, has fueled Denmark's efforts to improve relations with the island.
Nielsen stressed that Greenland would continue to strengthen its ties with Denmark until it achieves its goal of full independence. He added that his country wants to build a relationship with the United States based on "mutual respect."