Denmark has sent a private message to the team of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, expressing willingness to discuss increasing security in Greenland or boosting the U.S. military presence in the territory, U.S. news agency Axios reported on Saturday, citing two sources.
Mr. Trump, who will take office on January 20, has stated that American control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, is an “absolute necessity.” He has not ruled out the possible use of military or economic measures, including imposing tariffs on Denmark, to achieve this goal.
Axios reported that the Danish government is trying to convince Mr. Trump that his security concerns can be addressed without claiming Greenland.
A spokesperson for the President-elect’s transition team did not respond to a request for comment on the Axios report.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said earlier this week that she had requested a meeting with Mr. Trump, but did not expect it to happen before his inauguration on January 20, according to VOA.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede also said he was ready to engage in dialogue with Mr. Trump, while insisting that the island’s aspirations for independence be respected.
Danish officials have previously stated that Greenland is not for sale.
