New Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederick Nielsen said on Sunday that US comments about the mineral-rich Arctic Island were disrespectful and emphasized that Greenland is “not a property that anyone can buy.”
His comments came after a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen in her official residence on Sunday, the second day of her three-day official visit.
Nielsen’s comments were in response to President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in controlling strategically important territory.
During a press conference, Nielsen said, “I don’t respect any talks from the United States.”
He continued, “The words used were not respectful. So we are the reason we need to stand together in this situation.”
A Greenlandic political party, which has long advocated for its ultimate independence from Denmark, has recently formed a broad coalition government in response to Trump’s territorial ambitions.
The Greenland government said the three-day Nielsen visit, which began on Saturday, was intended to promote future cooperation between the two countries.
“Denmark has a willingness to invest in Greenlandic society. We don’t have it for historical reasons. We have it because we are part of the (Denmark’s) federation,” Fredericksen said.
“Of course, I am willing to continue investing in Greenland society,” she continued.
Nielsen is scheduled to meet King Frederick X on Monday, then returns to Fredericken and Greenland for a royal visit to the island.
When asked if a meeting between them and Trump was in work, Fredericksen said, “We always want to meet with the President of the United States. Of course we want it. But I think that (the Danish federal) approach to all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark was very clear.”
Greenland is the territory of Denmark’s autonomous region.
Video Editor Lucy gave
