Denmark has agreed to engage in discussions regarding the Arctic region with Washington, as stated by Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen following his initial phone call with the Secretary of State from President Donald Trump’s administration, who wishes to gain control of Greenland.
Mr. Rasmussen and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a 20-minute conversation characterized by a “good and constructive tone,” in which they addressed topics such as Ukraine, European security, and the Middle East situation, according to a statement from the Danish Foreign Ministry.
President Trump has shown interest in incorporating Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, into the United States. He has not dismissed the idea of using military or economic pressure to persuade Denmark to relinquish control.
Greenland’s strategic position along the shortest route from Europe to North America, which is crucial for the US ballistic missile warning system, has made it a key focus for Mr. Trump.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, who is intensifying efforts for independence, has consistently asserted that the island is not for sale and that its future should be determined by its people.
Although Mr. Trump also mentioned the possibility of acquiring Greenland in 2019, his unwillingness to exclude the use of military or economic force has surprised many Danes.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on January 15 that she had discussed the matter with Mr. Trump and emphasized that it is up to Greenland to decide its own path towards independence.
