Greenland ready to work with US on defence, says PM

Greenland's Prime Minister stated on Monday that Greenland hopes to strengthen cooperation with the United States in defense and mineral resource exploration. Prime Minister Múte Egede said his government is seeking ways to work with President-elect Donald Trump, who has recently renewed interest in controlling the territory and has not ruled out using military or economic means to achieve this goal.

Also on Monday, the Danish Foreign Minister said that Denmark is prepared to work with Greenland to continue dialogue with Trump to ensure the "legitimate interests" of the United States in the Arctic region. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is strategically important to the United States, located on the shortest route from North America to Europe. Additionally, Greenland hosts large US space facilities and has some rich deposits of rare earth minerals crucial for manufacturing batteries and high-tech equipment.

Trump attempted to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term and has brought the issue back to the agenda as his second term approaches, calling it "absolutely necessary" for the security of the United States and international security. Prime Minister Egede has previously stated that Greenland is not and will not be "for sale," while emphasizing the importance of maintaining "cooperation and trade with the whole world." On Monday, he stated at a press conference in Copenhagen that his government is prepared to engage in dialogue with the incoming Trump administration.

Egede added that the use of the territory's land is "a matter for Greenland." He said, "Ultimately, it will be up to Greenland to decide what kind of agreements we should reach." Meanwhile, the Danish Foreign Minister also addressed Trump's renewed interest in Greenland at a press conference in Jerusalem. "I do not want to have any disputes with the incoming President Trump," said Lars Løkke Rasmussen. "The way he has phrased his requests is somewhat special, and what we are doing now is having a more detailed dialogue with the incoming president."

Rasmussen stated, "We all recognize that the United States has certain concerns about the security situation in the Arctic region, and we do as well." He also indicated that Denmark will work closely with Greenland to prepare to continue dialogue with Trump to ensure "legitimate US interests." In addition, Trump has also expressed a desire to acquire the Panama Canal and has vowed to use "economic means" to incorporate Canada into the United States.