Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said on Friday that he had received information that US President Donald Trump had backed away from the idea of annexing the island to the United States.
“For two years we have been under very high pressure because of our strategic location, and this pressure is unacceptable,” Nielsen said during a session entitled “One World, Multiple Visions” in Aix-en-Provence, southern France.
Nielsen added: "We have not yet seen the end of this pressure, but we are trying to take measures by establishing a direct dialogue with the United States."
He emphasized Greenland's desire to ensure security in its region and to establish partnerships with countries that respect democracy, international law, and human rights.
Nielsen noted that France and the European Union had provided support to Greenland in this crisis.
He continued: "Three days ago, the US Special Representative to Greenland (Jeff Landry) informed us that Donald Trump had backed away from the idea of annexing Greenland."
The Prime Minister of Greenland added: "But the pressure remains."
Nielsen stressed that Greenland will remain alongside the European Union, and that it "wants to be alongside France, the Nordic countries, Denmark and NATO."
He also called for strengthening relations with Canada, arguing that this would benefit everyone.
Nielsen pointed out that Greenland could help European countries reduce their dependence on China in the mining sector.
He added: "Greenland will never give up its right to self-determination, nor its principles, and it is not for sale."
It is worth noting that the US president has repeatedly asserted that the United States needs Greenland for reasons related to "national security," while Denmark and Greenland have rejected these statements.
