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Thursday, Jan 15, 2026
Outside the box.
Danish and Greenlandic Foreign Ministers Address Press After White House Meeting on U.S. Push for Greenland
Leaders reaffirm sovereignty of Greenland and emphasize continued dialogue following high-level talks with U.S. officials amid strategic dispute
The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held a joint press conference following a high-profile meeting at the White House with senior U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, over President Donald Trump’s renewed push for American control of the Arctic territory of Greenland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt briefed journalists in Washington after concluding discussions that underscored deep disagreements with U.S. demands, even as both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic engagement and explore ways to address shared security concerns.
Rasmussen described the talks as “frank” but said no change in the core positions had been achieved, with Denmark and Greenland reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
He emphasised that international law and respect for sovereignty must guide relations, while acknowledging that the two governments would continue to engage with American counterparts to prevent misunderstandings and preserve strong historical ties.
Motzfeldt echoed his sentiments, urging that any cooperation must respect the self-determination of the Greenlandic people and avoid unilateral pressures that could harm the longstanding alliance between Copenhagen, Nuuk and Washington.
The press conference came after meetings characterised by fundamental disagreements over U.S. proposals to increase influence over Greenland, which Trump has framed in terms of national security and strategic competition with Russia and China.
Both ministers underscored that Greenland chooses to remain aligned with Denmark and that its defence responsibilities sit within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
They also highlighted plans to strengthen NATO and European military cooperation in the Arctic in response to the current geopolitical environment.
As both sides prepare for further dialogue within a newly formed working group, Denmark and Greenland’s leaders made clear that sovereignty and mutual respect will remain at the centre of any future discussions.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt briefed journalists in Washington after concluding discussions that underscored deep disagreements with U.S. demands, even as both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic engagement and explore ways to address shared security concerns.
Rasmussen described the talks as “frank” but said no change in the core positions had been achieved, with Denmark and Greenland reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
He emphasised that international law and respect for sovereignty must guide relations, while acknowledging that the two governments would continue to engage with American counterparts to prevent misunderstandings and preserve strong historical ties.
Motzfeldt echoed his sentiments, urging that any cooperation must respect the self-determination of the Greenlandic people and avoid unilateral pressures that could harm the longstanding alliance between Copenhagen, Nuuk and Washington.
The press conference came after meetings characterised by fundamental disagreements over U.S. proposals to increase influence over Greenland, which Trump has framed in terms of national security and strategic competition with Russia and China.
Both ministers underscored that Greenland chooses to remain aligned with Denmark and that its defence responsibilities sit within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
They also highlighted plans to strengthen NATO and European military cooperation in the Arctic in response to the current geopolitical environment.
As both sides prepare for further dialogue within a newly formed working group, Denmark and Greenland’s leaders made clear that sovereignty and mutual respect will remain at the centre of any future discussions.
