According to its prime minister, Greenland wants to deepen its mining and defense connections with the United States.

It follows President-elect Donald Trump’s reiteration of his “absolute necessity” claim to acquire the strategically significant and mineral-rich Arctic island.

Mute Egede stated that his government was prepared to begin a conversation with Mr. Trump’s new administration and was searching for ways to work with the United States.

But he added it would be up to it to determine its course of action.

Mr. Egede said, “Greenland’s independence is Greenland’s business, also in relation to the use of its land,” when questioned about extending US military capabilities on the island during a press conference in the capital Nuuk on Monday.

“So it is also Greenland that will decide what agreement we should come to.”

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Why does Trump want Greenland?
The prime minister has summoned the leaders of Greenland’s political parties to a meeting to discuss a collective approach to the US interest.

“This is the first time Greenland has been listened to in an intense way,” he added.

“We need to be calm and take advantage of things and stand together.”

Mr Trump did not rule out the potential use of military or economic means to gain control of Greenland.

But vice president-elect JD Vance dismissed the use of military force in an interview with Fox News.