Following American expressions of interest in acquiring the mineral-rich Arctic island, French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Greenland this month, the presidency has announced.
On June 15, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the French leader will meet in Greenland’s newly elected prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen’s semi-autonomous territory.
The leaders’ discussions will concentrate on climate change, the energy transition, and crucial minerals, according to a statement from the French presidency on Saturday.
In response to a “difficult foreign policy situation,” Frederiksen praised Macron’s upcoming visit and said in a statement that it is “another concrete testimony of European unity.”
Donald Trump’s threat to annexe Greenland prompts the visit.
According to the French presidency’ statement, this trip has the objectives of “strengthening cooperation” with the Arctic territory in these areas and “contribute to the strengthening of European sovereignty.”
Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “control” the vast, mineral-rich, and strategically located Arctic territory “someway” since his return to the White House in January.
For international security and safety, we need Greenland. It is required. In a March interview, Trump said, “We have to have it.”
Russia and China may have strategic plans for Greenland, according to the US.
On March 28, Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, made a visit to the US military base in Pituffik, northwest Greenland, which was perceived as a provocation.
Vance alleged that Denmark had not “done a good job for the people of Greenland,” not made enough money in the regional economy, and “not ensuring its security.”
As he urged a push for Greenland’s independence from Denmark, the vice president emphasized that the US has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the island’s security.
According to Vance, “I believe they will eventually partner with the United States.” They could be much safer, we said. More protection is something that could be done. And they would perform significantly better economically, too, in my opinion.
Greenland is not “for sale,” according to Denmark, for its part.
The prime minister said in an address to American leaders from the vast island, “You cannot annex another country.”
Denmark announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.1 billion) in financial commitments for Arctic security, which include three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites, in response to American threats.
The main political parties in Greenland oppose joining the US, which are in favor of the territory’s long-term independence.
Any chance of becoming an American was thwarted by a poll conducted at the end of January that found the population of 57, 000 mostly Inuit people, including more than 19, 000 in Nuuk, the capital.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the territory’s new prime minister, stated at a press conference in March that it needed to be united at this point.
Source: Aljazeera
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