Diplomacy: Macron and Frederiksen summon Greenland’s sovereignty

France President Emmanuel Macron and Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed the sovereignty of the island during a visit to Greenland. “I would first like to deliver a message of European solidarity and to support France for Denmark, Greenland and the Greenland people,” said Macron during a visit to Nuuk. Greenland is confident and must make his own decisions, be it on the subject of security, social issues or business.

“Everyone in France and the European Union believes that Greenland cannot be bought or simply taken,” said Macron. Specifically, he called China and Russia external dangers.

In the past few months, US President Donald Trump had repeatedly spoken of wanting to take control of the largely autonomous but belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark. He also did not rule out the commitment of the military.

Denmark Prime Minister Frederiksen said that Macron’s visit to Greenland was a testimony to the unity of Europe and the strong will to protect democracy, freedom as well as the territorial integrity of every country and its right to self -determination. She added: “Of course we are ready to take on more responsibility for our security here in the far north together with our good NATO allies.”

Macron wants to look for a conversation with Trump

Of course, Denmark also wants to work with the USA to strengthen the security of the Arctic. “But cooperation must of course take place in a respectful way,” said Frederiksen.

Macron said he would also look for a conversation with Trump at the G7 summit. He wanted to tell him that the strategic challenges could be mastered together if they were tackled respectfully and in cooperation. “And I am optimistic because I think there is a way forward to build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation.”