OSLO, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on Thursday that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not have a mandate to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.
The statement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday that his meeting with Rutte produced "the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region.
Frederiksen told Danish media that while Denmark has coordinated with a number of partners, including Rutte, to address the challenges facing Greenland, Rutte is not authorized to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.
"The aim is to find a path that respects international law as well as the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland," she added.
Frederiksen said that NATO can only negotiate matters on NATO's behalf relating to its own Arctic operations. She added that all parties agreed Arctic nations should strengthen cooperation and maintain a long-term presence in the region.
Frederiksen also reaffirmed Denmark's red lines, saying that Greenland's future should be decided by Greenland and sovereignty is not negotiable. ■
