Denmark, Greenland meet White House as US considers strategic Arctic options

Aides to US President Donald Trump met at the White House with envoys from Denmark and Greenland, said a Danish government official, as the president explores the possibility of bringing the Arctic island territory under US control.

Denmark's Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen and Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland’s chief representative to Washington, met with officials at the White House National Security Council, the official said on condition of anonymity. The White House did not immediately confirm the meeting, Reuters reports.

The discussions were described as an effort to clarify recent US statements regarding Greenland. On January 6, the White House said the US is considering a range of options to acquire the territory, including purchase or even the use of military force. President Trump has emphasized that Greenland is strategically important for US national security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Danish officials in Washington next week to continue discussions.

Greenland’s leadership has repeatedly stated that the territory does not wish to join the United States. European powers and Canada have also voiced support for Greenland’s autonomy, emphasizing that it belongs to its people. Analysts warn that a US military seizure of Greenland from Denmark, a longstanding NATO ally, would send shockwaves through the alliance and deepen tensions between the Trump administration and European leaders.

By Vafa Guliyeva