French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland on Sunday, voicing strong support for Greenland’s autonomy and Denmark’s sovereignty amidst U.S. interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.
“It is wrong when the United States keeps expressing a wish to take over Greenland,” Macron declared during a press conference in Nuuk alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. “Greenland cannot be bought or taken.”
Macron’s remarks directly rebuked past statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier this year expressed a desire to gain control of Greenland, suggesting the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve this goal.
The French president emphasized European unity in the face of these overtures, underscoring the importance of cooperation over confrontation in the Arctic region. “We can build a better future through cooperation rather than confrontation,” he said. “France stands side by side with Greenland, just as the European Union does.”
During his visit, Macron announced the opening of a French consulate general in Nuuk, signaling France’s commitment to deepening its diplomatic presence in the Arctic. “France has decided to open a consulate general here in Nuuk to be closer to you,” he told local residents.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen welcomed Macron’s support. “He has distanced himself from the talk that our country can be taken over, and he shows great support for us,” Nielsen said.
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen echoed these sentiments, stressing that discussions about Arctic security must be handled “in a proper manner.” She highlighted the importance of European unity during times of uncertainty. “That is why it is really important that the French president comes, because it helps to emphasize the necessary European unity in this situation,” she told Danish broadcaster DR.
Local citizens warmly received Macron, many waving EU flags as he arrived. Esthannguaq Kruse, a Nuuk resident, expressed relief at Macron’s visit. “I think it’s scary that Trump is pushing himself. And I hear that Macron supports us, so I’m happy about that,” she told Greenland’s newspaper Sermitsiaq.
The leaders held a trilateral meeting aboard the Danish Navy frigate Niels Juel, where they discussed Arctic cooperation and security. They also visited the Qamanaarsuup Sermia glacier to observe the impact of climate change firsthand.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy while Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
