US envoy calls for direct talks with Greenlanders on future cooperation

US Special Envoy for Greenland Jeff Landry has underscored Washington’s intention to engage directly with the people of Greenland when discussing the prospects for future cooperation.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Landry was asked how he plans to approach dialogue with Denmark, under whose sovereignty Greenland exists as an autonomous territory. In response, Landry stressed that meaningful discussions must prioritize the aspirations and needs of Greenlanders themselves.

“I think discussions should be with the people in Greenland—what are they looking for? What opportunities have they not got? Have they undergone the protection they actually deserve?” Landry said.

He emphasized that the United States’ approach has historically been grounded in partnership rather than coercion. “The United States has always been a welcoming party. We don’t go in and try to conquer, take away anybody’s country. We say, listen, we represent liberty, we represent economic strength, we represent protection,” he stated.

Drawing a parallel with his home state, Landry added, “Nobody knows that better than Louisiana. My family has been in Louisiana for over 300 years. We have more flags than anybody in the continent of the United States, and we ended up settling under the flag of the United States of America. For that, Louisiana has been better.”

According to Landry, this historical experience informs Washington’s proposed engagement with Greenland. “That is a discussion for us to have with the people of Greenland,” he said.

He further described potential cooperation as an opportunity for Greenland to gain greater access to the US economy. “It’s an opportunity for Greenland to be invited to the economic table with the United States—the most advanced economy in the world. And we care about them, to give them the security and protection,” Landry noted.

Highlighting Greenland’s strategic location, he pointed out that the island lies “about one hour away from the United States and three to four hours from the European continent,” noting that “there is a great opportunity here.”

By Vafa Guliyeva