Danish Prime Minister Calls for Respect as U.S. Delegation Prepares for Greenland Visit
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen raised concerns on Sunday regarding an upcoming visit by senior U.S. officials to Greenland, highlighting the importance of ensuring that any partnership is based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
TroibNews 
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen voiced apprehension on Sunday regarding a forthcoming visit by senior U.S. officials to Greenland, stressing that any partnership must be built on mutual respect and sovereignty.
"The visit from the United States cannot be seen independently of the public statements that have been made. In the Kingdom, we want to cooperate with the Americans. But it must be a cooperation that rests on the fundamental values of sovereignty and respect between countries and peoples," Frederiksen stated in a written response to Danish broadcaster DR.
Her remarks followed reports indicating that U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will travel to Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, accompanied by Usha Vance, the wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The itinerary includes stops in Nuuk and Sisimiut.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Vance expressed her enthusiasm for the trip and particularly highlighted her anticipation of attending a dog sled race in Sisimiut.
However, the Greenland dog sledding association KNQK issued a statement clarifying that it had not extended any invitation to a U.S. delegation for the race.
The planned visit has drawn significant criticism from politicians in Greenland. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit party, remarked that the timing of the visit demonstrated "a lack of respect for the Greenlandic population."
Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede, leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, characterized the visit as "a clear provocation," especially given the presence of a senior U.S. security official.
Since the beginning of this year, U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a persistent interest in acquiring Greenland, the largest island in the world, even suggesting the potential use of force.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 when it became a part of Denmark and its inhabitants were granted Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland obtained home rule, allowing for increased self-governance while Denmark retained oversight of foreign and defense matters.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
"The visit from the United States cannot be seen independently of the public statements that have been made. In the Kingdom, we want to cooperate with the Americans. But it must be a cooperation that rests on the fundamental values of sovereignty and respect between countries and peoples," Frederiksen stated in a written response to Danish broadcaster DR.
Her remarks followed reports indicating that U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will travel to Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, accompanied by Usha Vance, the wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The itinerary includes stops in Nuuk and Sisimiut.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Vance expressed her enthusiasm for the trip and particularly highlighted her anticipation of attending a dog sled race in Sisimiut.
However, the Greenland dog sledding association KNQK issued a statement clarifying that it had not extended any invitation to a U.S. delegation for the race.
The planned visit has drawn significant criticism from politicians in Greenland. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit party, remarked that the timing of the visit demonstrated "a lack of respect for the Greenlandic population."
Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede, leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, characterized the visit as "a clear provocation," especially given the presence of a senior U.S. security official.
Since the beginning of this year, U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a persistent interest in acquiring Greenland, the largest island in the world, even suggesting the potential use of force.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 when it became a part of Denmark and its inhabitants were granted Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland obtained home rule, allowing for increased self-governance while Denmark retained oversight of foreign and defense matters.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
