"We have a fundamental disagreement." It became known what representatives of Denmark and Greenland discussed with Americans in the White House

Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt at a press conference after meeting with US representatives. Photo: AP photo/John McDonnell

At a press conference after the meeting, which was preceded by increased tension due to Donald Trump's intention to establish control over the island by any means, including force, Lars Løkke Rasmussen spoke about what was discussed and what was or was not agreed upon.

Denmark, naturally, refused to hand over Greenland to the US, especially since Greenland itself does not want this. According to Rasmussen, "we have a fundamental disagreement here."

"We have a fundamental disagreement. But we also agreed that we can disagree with each other. So we will continue to talk. We decided to form a high-level negotiating group to see if we can find a way forward," the Danish minister noted.

This group is "aimed at addressing American security concerns while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark." The group is expected to hold its first meeting within a few weeks.

Rasmussen did not specify exactly what option the US would propose, but, according to him, "it was all very emotional."

"This is all very emotional for us — for the people of Greenland and Denmark. We position ourselves as the closest ally of the United States. In Afghanistan, we suffered the same losses as they did. I know very well that the future is not always connected with how it was in the past. But the past must also be kept in mind," he stated.

In any case, the US is not abandoning its claims to Greenland.

"Whether we can agree — I don't know. But I hope the negotiations could reduce the tension."

As a result, at the meeting, it was decided to create negotiating groups that would try to take into account "Trump's concerns about security in the Arctic," without violating the key interests of Denmark and Greenland.

"We, the Kingdom of Denmark, continue to believe that Greenland's long-term security can be ensured within the current system, namely the 1951 agreement on the defense of Greenland and the NATO Treaty," Rasmussen emphasizes.

At the same time, he does not deny the strategic importance of the region, including for US security interests, and points out that if necessary, America could strengthen it without problems within the framework of existing relations. If, in recent decades, less attention has been paid to this — it is certainly not due to Denmark's fault or its position:

"For a long time, it was a low-tension region, so the US reduced its presence — in the Cold War, they had 17 military bases, now — one. Then they had 10,000 troops, now — 200 people. That was their decision. But now the security situation in the Arctic has really changed. We must react to this. But buying Greenland is not at all necessary for this."

To the question of how he feels about Trump's words that allegedly all of Denmark's defense of Greenland consists of two dog sleds, Lars Løkke Rasmussen replied that this is, of course, an exaggeration, although to some extent one can agree with Trump that this area needs to be strengthened:

"I've known Trump for quite a while and I know his approach. He talks about things a little differently than I would. But there's also some truth in his words. [...] It's not about dog sleds, of course, although our special forces do use them — it's impossible to get to northern Greenland otherwise. But to some extent, we share Trump's concerns."

However, the Danish side categorically disagrees with Trump's assessment that Russian and Chinese ships allegedly feel free off the coast of Greenland, and that China is generally ready to seize this territory both from outside and from within:

"According to our intelligence, not a single Chinese ship has been near the coast of Greenland for ten years or so. And we had the opportunity to counter this narrative. [...] As for Chinese investments in Greenland — we avoided that. China is not present there," the Danish minister resolutely states.

Denmark asked the American side during the negotiations to stop threatening it:

"We explained that it's not so easy to look for innovative solutions when you wake up every morning to a new threat. I don't know if this will work. I can't say for sure. But it is certainly in the interest of all parties to try to understand whether we can take into account some of [Trump's] security concerns, while at the same time respecting the integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the self-determination of the people of Greenland."

According to Rasmussen:

"Our task was to translate this public debate, which took place in black and white, into a discussion with room for nuances. And I am glad that although we do not have an agreement, we will start this discussion."

However, in any case:

"Ideas that do not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right to self-determination of the people of Greenland are, naturally, absolutely unacceptable."

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