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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has called on the U.S. leadership to adjust the tone of its statements regarding Greenland and to work together to strengthen security in the Arctic.
Rasmussen made this appeal on X following U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Greenland.
“Of course, we are open to criticism. But let’s be honest: we really don’t like the tone in which it is being expressed. This is not how you speak to close allies. And I still believe that the U.S. and Denmark are close allies,” Rasmussen stated.
The minister acknowledged that Copenhagen understands the U.S. desire to expand its military presence in Greenland, noting that the existing 1951 agreement already provides broad opportunities for this.
“If this is what you want – let’s talk about it… Denmark and Greenland are absolutely open to such a discussion. We can do a lot within the ‘framework’ we have. Let’s use it and do it together,” he urged.
Rasmussen was responding to Vance’s criticism that Denmark is not doing enough for Arctic security and pointed out that Vance had made similar comments about the U.S. itself.
“The fact is that we have all been reaping the benefits of peace. We all operated under the assumption that the Arctic would remain a region of low tension. But those times are over, and the status quo is no longer an option,” he said.
The minister reminded that just a few weeks ago, Denmark decided to launch large-scale investments in regional security, which will involve deploying more troops, ships, and drones.
“And let’s not forget: Greenland is part of NATO. NATO’s security guarantees now extend to Greenland,” Rasmussen emphasized.
During his visit to Greenland on March 28, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the U.S. plans to invest more in strengthening security in the region around Greenland but currently has no plans to increase its military presence on the island.
He also softened previous statements by Donald Trump, who had not ruled out the use of force to annex the island. However, Vance reiterated his accusation that Denmark is “not doing its job” in maintaining security in the region around Greenland.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautiously rejected Vance’s criticism.
Initially, only Vance’s wife was scheduled to visit Greenland for a cultural and educational trip. However, due to significant criticism from both Denmark and Greenland’s authorities, the U.S. Vice President decided to join the Second Lady, shifting the visit’s focus to national security issues.
Read also: Vance: The U.S. Will Not Increase Military Presence in Greenland for Now
