Copenhagen: A delegation of US lawmakers arrived in Copenhagen for a working lunch with Danish business leaders, as diplomatic tensions continue over Washington's statements regarding Greenland. The group traveled from the parliament building, Christiansborg, to the headquarters of the Confederation of Danish Industry, where discussions focused on economic ties between the two countries and Denmark's broader efforts to rally support over Greenland.
According to Anadolu Agency, US Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois stated that the delegation aimed to emphasize long-standing ties with both Denmark and Greenland. "We have been friends and allies with Denmark and Greenland for decades. We want them to know that we greatly appreciate that," Durbin said. He also noted that recent remarks by President Donald Trump do not reflect the sentiments of the American people.
The speaker of the Danish parliament and former defense minister, Soren Gade, expressed a shift in his perspective of the US due to the American administration's tone toward Greenland. "I never thought I would speak critically about the United States. But if I am to be able to look Danish veterans in the eye in the future, I can no longer remain silent," Gade posted on US social media platform Facebook, labeling the US tone as "indecent."
Following the lunch meeting, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized President Trump's threats regarding Greenland as "absurd," affirming Greenland's status as a sovereign territory and nation. Tillis assured that many Congress members would work to prevent any annexation attempts.
Christian Friis Bach, chairman of the Danish Foreign Policy Committee, underscored the intent to send a clear message to the US. "We hope they return with strong images and strong messages that can convince even more members of Congress that Greenland cannot be taken over," he said.
Jeff Landry, the United States' special envoy to Greenland, told Fox News about his planned visit to the island in March. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, stating, "I believe that a deal can and will be made," and noted that "the president is serious" about acquiring Greenland.
US President Donald Trump has consistently voiced his desire to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory of strategic importance in the Arctic. The White House indicated that European troop deployments to Greenland would not deter Trump's plans. Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway recently announced a joint mission to Greenland, following unsuccessful talks in Washington between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials over the island.