Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon, delivering a firm, unified rejection of external claims over Greenland.
Noting that "It has not been easy to stand up to the completely unacceptable pressure from our closest allies for a lifetime," Frederiksen said at the press conference "there is much to suggest that the hardest part is still ahead of us."
Frederiksen framed the stance as a matter of fundamental principle, saying "This is not only about Greenland or about the Kingdom. It is about the fact that borders must not be changed by force, that one people cannot be bought. And it is about ensuring that small countries should not fear large countries."
While stressing "Greenland is not for sale," Nielsen said "Our goal and desire remain peaceful dialogue based on cooperation, with respect for our constitutional position, international law, our right to our own land, and our right to self-determination."
"But one thing everyone must understand: Greenland will not be owned by the United States. Greenland will not be governed by the United States," Nielsen underscored.
"We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we must choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark," he said.
In another development, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt will attend talks in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, according to Danish local media outlets on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the United States is introducing legislation to prevent U. S. President Donald Trump from taking action to invade a NATO country or territory, such as Greenland, according to a Politico report from Monday.
The report said that although the legislation doesn't name any specific countries or regions, it clearly refers to Trump's threats against Greenland.
Democratic House Representative Bill Keating said the omission was deliberate, and that he hopes to broaden the scope of the proposal beyond just Greenland.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
Denmark, Greenland PMs reaffirm unity, rejection of external claims
