NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated on Wednesday that the only way to resolve the ongoing Greenland crisis is through “thoughtful diplomacy,” and confirmed that he is working behind the scenes on the matter.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte declined to publicly comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported intentions to acquire Greenland, emphasizing that diplomacy takes precedence over public statements.
“You can be assured that I am working on this issue behind the scenes,” Rutte said during the panel, reiterating that careful negotiation is the key to resolving the crisis.
Rutte is currently the only confirmed leader scheduled to meet with President Trump on the sidelines of the forum. He also underscored NATO’s continued commitment to collective defense, while noting that the United States requires a secure Europe and a stable Arctic region.
On the Arctic, Rutte said he shares common ground with the U.S. president, adding: “We must protect the Arctic from Russian and Chinese influence.”
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of approximately 57,000, is not an independent NATO member, but falls under Denmark’s membership in the alliance. Any attempt by a NATO member to take control of Greenland would mark a historic first in the alliance’s history, potentially putting the territory of one member at risk by another.
