Grenland: Danish Prime Minister and Greenland's Premier Visit Berlin and Paris to Seek European Support

The Danish Prime Minister and the head of the Greenlandic self-government met with German Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on Tuesday and will meet with French President Macron in Paris on Wednesday. This visit aims to gain support from Europe against the backdrop of U.S. President Trump's interest in Greenland, a Danish territory.

Although Trump softened his stance last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stating he would not use force over the issue of Greenland, his desire to control this Arctic island has caused unprecedented turbulence in transatlantic relations.

On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen told German public TV station ARD, "I have deep gratitude for Americans. But now there are so many upheavals, and for me, the most important thing is for Europeans to make the right choices so that we can protect our people, our country, our freedom, and our security."

A spokesperson for the German government said that the German chancellor reiterated Berlin's support for Denmark and Greenland during the meeting.

Next, Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen and Greenland's Premier Nielson will travel to Paris.

The French presidential palace said on Tuesday: "The President will reaffirm European solidarity and France's support for Denmark and Greenland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity." The statement also added, "The three leaders will also exchange views on the security situation in the Arctic region, as well as Greenland's economic and social development, with France and the EU willing to provide support in these areas."

On Tuesday, the Danish Prime Minister said she was very, very happy about the "broad and firm support from Europe." She told ARD, "When Europe remains united and shows its strength, everything works out."

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg said on Monday that after his meeting with Donald Trump in Davos, he had reached an agreement with Trump on two "working directions" to ease tensions between Europe and Washington over the Greenland issue. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to 'buy' Greenland, but both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have clearly stated that the island is 'not for sale.'

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855516116149257/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.