"The USA must not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, adding that a unified message would be delivered in the coming days.
OSLO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday emphasized that Greenland should not be taken over by the United States, amid growing geopolitical attention on the Arctic region.
Speaking during her visit to Greenland, Frederiksen said the primary purpose of her trip is to discuss the foreign and security policy situation and how Denmark and Greenland can jointly respond to what she called "a very difficult task."
"The USA must not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," she said, adding that a unified message would be delivered in the coming days.
Frederiksen made the remarks alongside outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede and incoming leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, amid the leadership transition in Greenland's autonomous government.
The Danish prime minister also stressed the importance of unity between Greenland, Denmark, and Europe in the face of external pressure. "We need to stand together in this very difficult time Greenland is facing. And when Greenland is in a difficult situation, the Kingdom of Denmark and Europe are also in a difficult situation," she said.
"It is clear that, with the pressure coming from the Americans on Greenland in terms of sovereignty, borders, and the future, we must stand together," the prime minister added.
Frederiksen's visit, which runs from April 2 to 4, comes shortly after U.S. Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation visited Pituffik Space Base last Friday in northwest Greenland -- formerly known as Thule Base. Vance, during his visit, criticized Denmark for not doing enough for security in the Arctic or the well-being of the Greenlandic people.
Just hours ahead of the visit by Vance, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government. Four political parties, representing 23 of the 31 seats in Greenland's parliament, signed a coalition agreement to establish the new government. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit (Democratic Party), will serve as prime minister.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. ■
