Greenland will reinforce its ties with Denmark until it achieves sovereignty, the island's incoming prime minister stated, emphasizing the desire for independence.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, 33, was appointed prime minister on Friday and will head a four-party coalition government, facing challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in the territory.
"As long as we are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, we need to strengthen our relationship and partnership until we can become a sovereign nation," Nielsen remarked. He acknowledged the robust partnership with Denmark as a foundation for future growth.
Additionally, Nielsen expressed Greenland's desire for a relationship with the United States based on mutual respect. "Greenland will never be a part of America. We want trade and a strong partnership on national security, but it must be founded on mutual respect. We will never be for sale and we will never be Americans," he stated.
In response to U.S. Vice President JD Vance's criticism regarding Denmark's efforts to ensure Greenland's safety, Nielsen noted, "Right now we are in a phase where they are building up, and we need to find solutions together."
During a visit to a U.S. military base in northern Greenland, Vance had suggested that Denmark had not adequately protected the strategically important island and implied that U.S. involvement would be more effective.
"We don't want to be Americans nor do we wish to remain Danes in the future. We want to be independent. For now, however, we are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and that is our reality," Nielsen concluded.