Baltic officials back Denmark, Greenland after Trump remarks

Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have issued official statements supporting Denmark and Greenland following comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Baltic officials emphasised that issues concerning Greenland should be addressed solely by Denmark and Greenland itself, without external pressure or interference, Caliber.Az reports.

Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia, said: "Denmark is a strong democracy and trusted NATO ally. Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Understanding legitimate security needs of the US, I believe those can be addressed in a direct dialogue between Denmark and the US, and within the collective defence framework."

Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, stated: "Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty is fundamental to global stability, and all differences must be solved in dialogue. Allies are committed to each other to preserve peace and security. It is for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters relevant to them."

Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia, added: "Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Decisions about Greenland belong to Greenland and Denmark alone. Estonia stands in full solidarity with our Nordic-Baltic Ally."

Kęstutis Budry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, commented: "Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a strong democracy and a trusted #NATO ally. All arising issues are a matter of transatlantic security. Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty is fundamental to global stability. All decisions regarding Greenland or Denmark are only for them to make."

Trump has renewed his bid to take control of Greenland, a day after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation.

“It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” he said.

Speaking from Air Force One, Trump cited Greenland’s strategic importance, claiming Russian and Chinese naval activity around the island and saying Denmark “is not going to be able to do it.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuba’s communist government that it is “in a lot of trouble” for supporting Maduro.

Denmark, which governs Greenland, rejected Trump’s comments. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said he has “no right to annex” the mineral-rich territory and noted that the US already has extensive access under existing security agreements.

By Aghakazim Guliyev