Denmark and the United States have agreed to hold discussions regarding Greenland.
The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has agreed with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the issue of Greenland at a later time. This was the outcome of their 20-minute conversation.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing The Guardian.
During the meeting, the foreign ministers of Denmark and the U.S. covered a range of topics, including:
- the situation in Ukraine,
- European security,
- the Middle East.
Although Arctic security was not the main focus, the ministers agreed to revisit the issue of Greenland in upcoming negotiations, which will also include representatives from Greenland itself.
Denmark is eager to resolve the matter concerning this territory following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the desire for the U.S. to control Greenland for the sake of international security.
Separately, directly addressing some of Trump's NATO critics, Rasmussen stated that "Denmark is ready to take on a greater share of responsibility for its security."
Trump's Statements Regarding Greenland
It is worth noting that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to make Greenland a part of the United States, even suggesting the possibility of using force to convince Denmark.
For centuries, the island has been under Danish control (previously as a colony, now as a semi-sovereign territory within the Kingdom of Denmark). Greenland is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning that any change in its legal status would require amendments.
Earlier reports indicated that Denmark privately sent proposals regarding Greenland to Trump's team. Copenhagen does not intend to "sell" the island but is open to discussing other requests from Washington.
Trump's future national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that the president is considering various options for control over Greenland.
Additionally, Trump's allies submitted a bill for the "purchase of Greenland", proposing that he be allowed to begin negotiations as soon as he officially takes office on January 20.
At the same time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland in a conversation with the elected U.S. president. According to her, the island's autonomy should make its own decision about independence.