Following repeated suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential purchase, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly rejected the notion Sunday, stating that the Arctic island is not for sale.
“Greenland will never be an asset someone can simply buy,” Nielsen declared during a joint press conference with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at her official residence in Lyngby. He emphasized that comments originating from U.S. officials had been “disrespectful” and underscored the need for solidarity between Greenland and Denmark.
The remarks came during Nielsen’s two-day visit to Denmark, a nation with which Greenland shares an autonomous relationship. The trip’s purpose is focused on fostering future collaboration between the two countries.
Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, affirming Denmark’s commitment to investing in Greenlandic society. “We have the will to invest in Greenlandic society, and we do so not only for historical reasons but also because we are part of a commonwealth,” she stated.
Here’s what else transpired:
- Nielsen’s Visit: A three-day official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between Greenland and Denmark.
- Greenland’s Stance: A definitive rejection of any offers to purchase the island, regardless of origin.
- Denmark’s Commitment: Ongoing investment in Greenlandic society as a core principle within their shared commonwealth.
The situation unfolded amidst recent political developments in Greenland, where parties have formed a new coalition government – occurring concurrently with Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the territory. Greenland has also been progressively pursuing greater autonomy and eventual independence from Denmark.
While both Frederiksen and Nielsen acknowledged a desire to meet with the U.S. President, they reiterated that their position on Greenland is clear within the context of the Danish commonwealth and its territories.
“We always want to meet with the American president, of course we do,” Frederiksen said. “But I think we have been very, very clear in what is the approach to all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Nielsen is scheduled to meet with Denmark’s King Frederik X before embarking on a royal visit to Greenland alongside Frederik.
