Danish PM Calls for Strengthened Ties with Greenland Amid US Pressures

Synopsis

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasizes the importance of unity with Greenland in light of rising US pressures. During her visit, she highlights the need for both regions to align closely to protect their interests against external threats.

Key Takeaways

Mette Frederiksen advocates unity between Denmark and Greenland.
Growing pressure from the United States necessitates closeness.
Frederiksen emphasizes strong ties as a response to insecurity.
US Vice President JD Vance discusses strategic interests in Greenland.
Financial incentives from the US could impact Greenland's autonomy.

Oslo, April 5 (NationPress) Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for unity between Denmark and Greenland in response to increasing pressure from the United States. She emphasized that the two regions of the Kingdom must stay closely aligned to protect their mutual interests.

These statements were made during her three-day visit to Greenland, which took place from Wednesday to Friday, as reported in an interview with the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq. This visit represented a significant advancement in Denmark's mission to strengthen its relationships with Greenland.

"There is no doubt that many individuals in Greenland experience a sense of insecurity, as the threat is genuine," Frederiksen stated. "This pressure has unfortunately been created, and we are doing everything we can to manage it."

The Prime Minister asserted that the best way to address US pressure is for Greenland and Denmark to remain united, according to the Xinhua news agency.

"No matter what internal discussions we may have within the Realm, we must present a united front. That is the strongest message we can convey," she explained.

Frederiksen's statements coincided with US Vice President JD Vance reaffirming Washington's increasing strategic focus on Greenland. In an interview with the American media outlet Newsmax on Thursday, Vance characterized Greenland as vital to US national security and vowed that the United States would safeguard its interests there "come hell or high water."

Vance also proposed that the United States could provide financial incentives to Greenlanders, asserting that Denmark currently allocates approximately "60,000 (US) per year per person in Greenland." He claimed that the United States could offer "far more money than that."

During a press conference with Greenlandic officials in the capital Nuuk on Thursday, Frederiksen told the United States, "You cannot annex other nations -- not even under the guise of international security."

She raised the question, "When you attempt to seize part of the Kingdom (of Denmark)'s territory while we face pressure and threats from our closest ally, what are we to think of the country we have respected for so many years?"

Greenland, formerly a Danish colony, became an essential part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It received home rule in 1979, enhancing its autonomy, although Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense.