Denmark boosts Greenland, Faroe Islands' foreign policy role
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced initiatives to allow greater autonomy for Greenland and the Faroe Islands in foreign policy. Earlier, she held discussions with the authorities of these territories, which are dependent on Copenhagen. Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States should take over Greenland.
Frederiksen declared that Denmark is working on enhancing the autonomy of Greenland and the Faroe Islands in matters related to foreign policy. She shared this information following talks with the authorities of these territories.
During a meeting in Copenhagen, attended by the Prime Ministers of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Mute Egede and Aksel V. Johannesen, Frederiksen emphasized that the goal is "even more equal cooperation" between Denmark and its autonomous territories.
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed the need for greater independence in international negotiations.
Greenlanders do not want to be either Danish or American
"We wish to have our own voice," emphasized Egede. He also referred to Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that the USA should take over Greenland.
We don’t want to be Danes. We don’t want to be Americans. We want to be Greenlanders, stressed Egede, adding that the desire for independence in Greenland is not new.
Changes in foreign policy
Frederiksen maintained her position that the decision on Greenland's independence belongs to its residents. Until now, Denmark has been responsible for the foreign policy and security of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The first step towards change is the agreement of the government in Copenhagen on the Faroe Islands' membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Faroese are keen on developing foreign trade, especially in the context of fishing.
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also striving for greater influence in the activities of the Arctic Council and the Nordic Council, of which Denmark is a member.
American interest in Greenland
Donald Trump, the former president of the USA, has repeatedly emphasized that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. He indicated that he does not rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.
Keith Kellogg, the future special envoy of the USA for Ukraine and Russia, reminded that the issue of Greenland's affiliation with the USA is not new.
Many people forget that President Andrew Johnson tried to purchase Greenland, and President Harry Truman offered 100 million dollars for the island, said Kellogg.
Greenland attracts attention due to its mineral resources, which, in light of climate change and global warming, could impact global political dimensions. According to observers, the threat of acquiring the island seems to endanger Euro-Atlantic stability.
