NUUK, Greenland — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has vowed to support Greenland against US President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous territory. She arrived in Nuuk on Wednesday (April 2) for discussions with Greenland’s incoming government. Frederiksen’s three-day visit to the Arctic island comes less than a week after US Vice President JD Vance’s trip, which was met with a cold reception from both Danish and Greenlandic authorities.

“The United States will not take over Greenland. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” Frederiksen declared upon arrival in Nuuk. She acknowledged the challenges Greenland faces and reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to standing by the island during this “very, very difficult situation." Her visit aims to reinforce ties between Copenhagen and Greenland while promoting respectful cooperation amid mounting international pressure. Greenland’s incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is set to lead a coalition government after last month’s election, welcomed Frederiksen’s visit, emphasizing Denmark as Greenland’s “closest partner.”

Frederiksen assured Greenlanders that she would work toward ensuring equal rights for them and Danish citizens within the Danish realm. She also highlighted the need for discussions on foreign policy, security concerns, and the geopolitical challenges Greenland faces. Nielsen’s coalition is expected to take office on April 7. Tensions between Denmark and Greenland have risen in recent years due to historical mistreatment under colonial rule. Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has further fueled Denmark’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with the island, particularly as global competition for influence in the Arctic grows.

Nielsen expressed Greenland’s desire to maintain a “respectful” partnership with the US. He criticized discussions of annexation, emphasizing that respect for Greenland’s sovereignty is key to building a productive relationship. Frederiksen’s visit signals Denmark’s unwavering support for Greenland at a time of heightened international scrutiny, said Ulrik Pram Gad, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies. He noted that Denmark seeks to reaffirm its role as Greenland’s closest ally while also making it clear to the US where it stands.

During his recent visit to a US military base in northern Greenland, Vance accused Denmark of failing to adequately protect the island and suggested the US could do a better job. Frederiksen dismissed his remarks as “unfair” and reaffirmed that Greenland’s future remains in the hands of its people. While opinion polls indicate that most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents favor independence, many believe that rushing toward sovereignty could leave the island vulnerable to economic and political pressures, particularly from the US.

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