Greenland's PM tells Trump: Not for sale, we are strengthening ties with Denmark

(Patria) - Greenland and Denmark have agreed to strengthen ties in response to US President Donald Trump's interest in taking control of the strategic Arctic island, leaders said after talks in Copenhagen.

Greenland's new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen began a three-day visit to the Danish capital on Saturday, as a show of unity with Denmark for his mineral-rich semi-autonomous territory.

- We are in a foreign policy situation that marks the need to come closer together - Nielsen said at a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

The two prime ministers met amid months of tensions over Trump's repeated statements that Greenland should become part of the United States.

- We are ready for a strong partnership (with the US) and greater development, but we want respect... We will never be a piece of property that anyone can buy - Nielsen said.

He added that the ongoing expansion of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, which was agreed upon even before Trump took office, is causing anxiety among Greenland's residents.

Frederiksen said Denmark is ready to invest more in Greenland and provide financial support as it takes on more responsibility for its own internal affairs from Copenhagen, as part of what she described as a "modernization" of their relationship.

Denmark has called for increased cooperation with the United States in the area of Arctic defense, and both Nielsen and Frederiksen said yesterday they are committed to strengthening defense in the region.

Denmark's King Frederik will travel to Greenland today as a further show of solidarity.