Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has arrived in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, for a three-day official visit that comes at a time of political transition in the autonomous territory and renewed strategic interest from USA. This is Frederiksen’s first visit to Greenland following last month’s parliamentary elections and the appointment of a new government.
Frederiksen meets new Greenlandic leader in first visit since local elections
In Nuuk, Frederiksen met with incoming Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, marking a symbolic gesture of continuity in the Danish-Greenlandic relationship. She was welcomed at the airport by outgoing Premier Múte B. Egede before heading into the city for official talks.
“Denmark is our closest partner, and it’s natural that we meet as soon as possible,” Nielsen said in a statement posted to Facebook, expressing his desire to proceed with scheduled meetings.
Clear message to the United States: “Greenland is not for sale”
During a press conference in Nuuk, Frederiksen reiterated Denmark’s firm stance regarding Greenland’s sovereignty, responding to recent comments from USA President Donald Trump who once again floated the idea of acquiring the Arctic island.
“The United States should not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the United States should not take over Greenland,” Frederiksen declared. “That is of course the message we will continue to express together in the coming days.”
The visit is largely focused on foreign and security policy discussions, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical interest in Greenland. Frederiksen emphasized the importance of unity within the Kingdom of Denmark (“Kongeriget Danmark”) in response to external pressures.
“When Greenland is in a difficult situation, then the Kingdom of Denmark and Europe are also in a difficult situation,” she said. “Regardless of any internal debates we may have about our commonwealth, it’s clear that given the American pressure on Greenland concerning sovereignty, borders, and the future, we must stand together.”
Criticism over timing of the visit
Despite Frederiksen’s diplomatic tone, her visit has sparked controversy in Greenland. Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and other political figures questioned the timing of the trip, noting that the new government has not yet been formally confirmed. Critics argue that Frederiksen should have waited, just as Denmark has previously advised the U.S. government to delay official visits to countries without fully constituted governments.
“It’s not unreasonable to expect respect for a country that has yet to form a government,” Motzfeldt said, referencing similar standards applied by Frederiksen herself in foreign affairs.
However, Frederiksen responded to the criticism by stating her sole intention: “I have only one wish, and that is to do everything I can to take care of this wonderful country and support Greenland in this very difficult situation.”
Strengthening ties amid Arctic tensions
The Prime minister’s visit is a strategic move intended to reinforce Denmark’s commitment to Greenland at a time of rising international competition in the Arctic. While Frederiksen’s full agenda in Greenland remains undisclosed, her statements indicate a concerted effort to align foreign policy priorities between Copenhagen and Nuuk.
As USA interest in the Arctic resurfaces, particularly around issues of military presence and natural resources, Frederiksen’s visit signals that Denmark is keen to assert its role and support Greenlandic autonomy while maintaining the unity of the Kingdom.
The diplomatic emphasis on solidarity and sovereignty suggests that Frederiksen’s presence in Nuuk is as much about sending a message abroad as it is about fostering dialogue at home.
