Greenland’s Prime Minister Says Island Can’t Be Bought And U.S. Isn’t Showing Respect

LYNGBY, Denmark (AP) — New Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed on Sunday that U.S. comments regarding the mineral-rich Arctic island have lacked respect, asserting that Greenland is not for sale to anyone. Nielsen’s statement was made in defiance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the strategic territory, as Nielsen stood alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the second day of an official three-day visit. Greenland is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark.

During a press conference at the prime minister’s Marienborg official residence in Lyngby, located 12 kilometers (8 miles) north of Copenhagen, Nielsen criticized the United States for their disrespectful language. “The discussions from the United States have not been respectful,” he remarked. “The language used has not been respectful. This is why we must unite in this situation,” he added.

In Greenland, political parties, which have been moving towards independence from Denmark, recently agreed to establish a broad-based coalition government in response to Trump’s interest in the territory. Greenland’s government confirmed that Nielsen’s visit, which commenced on Saturday, aimed to bolster future collaboration between the two nations.

“Denmark is committed to investing in Greenlandic society, not only for historical reasons but also because we are part of a commonwealth,” Frederiksen stated. “We naturally wish to continue supporting the development of Greenlandic society,” she added.

Nielsen is scheduled to meet with King Frederik X on Monday before accompanying Frederiksen on a royal visit to Greenland. When asked about a potential meeting with Trump, Frederiksen and Nielsen expressed openness. “We are always open to meeting with the American president,” Frederiksen noted. “Of course, we are interested. However, our stance on all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark within the Danish commonwealth has been very clear,” she emphasized.