Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Greenland and that the United States and its allies plan to talk more about the remote island at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Trump said Greenland is important for world security and repeated his view that the United States might seek to take control of the island. Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark, and both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any suggestion that it could be sold or transferred.
The comment comes amid growing tension with European countries over Trump’s push to gain influence over Greenland. The idea has sparked strong opposition from Denmark and other European leaders. They have said that Greenland is not for sale and that they want to focus on cooperation rather than conflict.
In a separate call with Norway’s prime minister, Trump said he no longer felt an obligation to think only about peace after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize. He tied that feeling to his campaign for Greenland and would not rule out using force to secure it. He also threatened tariffs on European countries if they did not reach an agreement on the issue.
European leaders have responded by strengthening their diplomatic stance. German officials and others have warned that they may take countermeasures if necessary. The European Union has said it will hold a leaders meeting this week to coordinate its approach to the dispute and avoid further escalation.
Trump’s tariff threat could raise duties on goods from major European countries starting next month, a move that could disrupt trade relations and complicate ongoing talks between the United States and Europe on economic cooperation.
Officials in Denmark and Greenland continue to emphasize that control of Greenland remains with its own government and people. They have called for dialogue but rejected the idea of any transfer of sovereignty.
The situation has drawn attention around the world as leaders in NATO and the European Union seek to manage rising tensions and maintain unity among allies. Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can ease the dispute.