Nuuk: Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has issued a firm statement urging the United States to respect the autonomous territory’s democracy and sovereignty. His remarks come just days before the visit of Usha Vance, the spouse of US Vice President JD Vance, alongside National Security Adviser (NSA) Mike Waltz and other US delegates.
“It should be said clearly that our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference. The visit cannot be seen just as a private one”, Egede emphasized on Monday.
The White House had confirmed on Sunday that Vance, her son, and a US delegation would arrive in Greenland for a three-day visit from Thursday to Saturday. The trip has drawn considerable attention, especially given the United States’ growing interest in the Arctic region and Greenland’s strategic and resource-rich landscape.
US Interest in Greenland: A Point of Contention
Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his ambition for the United States to “take over” Greenland. His controversial stance has even included refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal, causing significant tensions between Washington and Nuuk.
Addressing this, Egede reiterated that there would be “no talks” with the United States on such matters until Greenland’s new government is officially established. The country held its general election on March 11, resulting in a caretaker government led by Egede until a new administration is formed.
“We must stand together and stand up against unacceptable treatment. Because we are the ones who decide our own future,” the prime minister asserted.
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Greenland’s Political Future and US Relations
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of the centre-right Democrats and the likely next prime minister of Greenland following the election, has also weighed in on the matter. Nielsen has previously denounced Trump’s moves regarding Greenland as “inappropriate”.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, holds vast untapped mineral and oil reserves. However, oil and uranium exploration are currently prohibited under existing regulations. While surveys indicate that a majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, they strongly oppose the idea of becoming part of the United States.
As international interest in the Arctic intensifies, the upcoming visit by Usha Vance and NSA Mike Waltz is being closely monitored. The Greenlandic leadership remains firm in defending its democratic rights and territorial integrity against any external pressures.
