Danish PM urges respect ahead of U.S. delegation visit to Greenland

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Sunday expressed concern about a planned visit by senior U.S. officials to Greenland, emphasizing that any collaboration must be grounded in mutual respect and sovereignty.

"The visit from the United States cannot be seen independently of the public statements that have been made. In the Kingdom (of Denmark), we want to cooperate with the Americans. But it must be a cooperation that rests on the fundamental values of sovereignty and respect between countries and peoples," Frederiksen said in a written statement to Danish broadcaster DR.

The statement came after reports that U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will visit Greenland from Thursday to Saturday alongside Usha Vance, wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The delegation will visit the cities of Nuuk and Sisimiut.

In a video message on Instagram, Vance said she's looking forward to visiting Greenland and is especially excited to attend a dog sled race in Sisimiut.

However, Greenland's dog sledding association KNQK clarified in a statement that it had not invited any U.S. delegation for the race.

The visit has sparked strong criticism among Greenlandic politicians. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit party, said the timing of the visit showed "a lack of respect for the Greenlandic population."

Mute Egede, Greenlandic prime minister and leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, described the visit as "a clear provocation," particularly due to the involvement of a high-ranking U.S. security official.

Since early this year, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland, the world's largest island, even hinting at using force.

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, and Greenlanders were given Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over its foreign and defense policy.

(With input from Xinhua)