Denmark and Greenland to strengthen ties amid Arctic tensions
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen plans to visit Greenland from the 2nd to the 4th of April, 2025, to discuss cooperation with the new head of the Greenlandic government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
What do you need to know? When will the visit take place?
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will visit Greenland from the 2nd to the 4th of April, 2025. What is the purpose of the visit? The purpose is to discuss cooperation between Greenland and Denmark with the new chairman of Naalakkersuisut, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Why is it important? Greenland has undergone a democratic process and formed a broad government, highlighting the significance of cooperation. What are the Danish Prime Minister's plans?
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen plans to visit Greenland to strengthen ties with the new government. The visit will take place from the 2nd to the 4th of April, 2025, and will provide an opportunity to meet with Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the new chairman of Naalakkersuisut. The Prime Minister emphasises the importance of continuing close and trusted cooperation between the two countries.
Why is cooperation with Greenland crucial?
Mette Frederiksen expressed respect for Greenlanders and their politicians for how they handle pressure. She emphasised that the situation requires unity beyond political divisions and cooperation within the realm's community. The Prime Minister noted that cooperation should be respectful and on equal terms.
Frederiksen responds to Vance's remarks
According to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was unfair in accusing the Copenhagen government of not fulfilling its defence obligations in Greenland.
"Denmark is a good and strong ally for all NATO members. (...) For many years, we have stood arm in arm with Americans in very challenging situations, so the Vice President should not speak in such an unfair way to Denmark," Frederiksen wrote in a statement.
The Danish Prime Minister agreed with Vance that Arctic security must be prioritised. She recalled that her government has begun efforts to enhance oversight in Greenland through investments in new ships, long-range drones, and satellite systems.
"Security in the Arctic is a concern for NATO and all allies in the region. We are ready, day and night, to cooperate with the Americans," she emphasised. She added that cooperation must occur on "international terms."
Meanwhile, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen assessed that Vance's criticism was misplaced. "Perhaps the Americans should look at themselves in the mirror, as after the fall of the Berlin Wall, they focused more on the fight against terrorism," he stressed.
The Danish military participated in international missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, where they supported American soldiers.
