Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will visit semi-autonomous Greenland on Wednesday, April 2 to hold talks with the territory’s upcoming government.
The visit comes as US President Donald Trump continues to have an interest in the Arctic Islands.
Frederiksen’s three-day trip came less than a week after U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland, with resistance from Denmark and Greenland authorities facing resistance.
Greenland’s incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who won last month’s election and will form a coalition government, welcomed Frederiksen’s visit. On Monday, he reiterated that Denmark remains Greenland’s closest companion.
The relationship between Greenland and Denmark is tense due to historical abuse of colonial Greenlanders. However, the continuous increase in international competition for Arctic influence, such as Trump’s interest in Greenland, has prompted Denmark to strengthen its relations with the islands.
Nelson reiterated Greenland’s ultimate sovereignty goal, while underscoring the importance of building a strong relationship with Denmark.
“Greenland seeks a respectful relationship with the United States. It is inappropriate to talk about annexation and acquisition of Greenland without respecting its sovereignty. Let’s first show mutual respect and build a strong partnership.”
Vance criticized Denmark’s efforts to maintain security on the island during his visit to the U.S. military base in northern Greenland last Friday, suggesting that the United States will be more suitable for protecting strategically located territory.
Frederiksen refuted Vance’s remarks and pointed out that the people of Greenland decided on their future and called his criticism of Denmark unfair.
