Denmark, Greenland and US hold secret meeting in Washington

Moscow (ANTARA) - Representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the United States held a secret meeting in Washington on Thursday (28 May) to discuss future relations agreements, according to a report by Danish television station DR citing sources.

According to the report, Danish and Greenlandic negotiators clearly stated to US representatives that there would be no discussions on sovereignty transfer. Following any agreement, Greenland would not become part of the United States.

The meeting was attended by Danish diplomat Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Greenlandic representative Mininnguaq Kleist, and Michael Needham, who was appointed as deputy assistant to the US president for national security on Tuesday, DR reported.

Parties also discussed the potential presence of other countries in Greenland, specifically mentioning China, while Russia was not mentioned at all, according to DR sources.

According to the broadcaster’s sources, US President Donald Trump “has not forgotten Greenland,” and his “very clear and strong stance” was evident in the negotiation room.

DR added that US Special Envoy for Greenland Jeff Landry’s visit to the island on 17 May did not aid the negotiation process. Landry arrived in Greenland and the following day stated that Trump had sent him to foster friendship.

During Landry’s visit, the US envoy met with Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and local residents to identify economic opportunities for the US in Greenland.

Landry held several meetings on the island and subsequently presented a portrayal of Greenland’s situation and the locals’ desires to US media, which DR reported did not fully reflect reality.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the island should be part of the US.

The Danish and Greenlandic governments have warned Washington against taking over the island, affirming their expectation of respect for their territorial integrity.