Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that he would summon U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery for talks following President Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland.

On Sunday, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland.

Landry thanked the U.S. president on X after the announcement, saying it is an "honor to serve you as a volunteer to make Greenland a part of the United States," before specifying that the role "in no way affects" his duties as governor of Louisiana.

It has sparked strong diplomatic reactions in Copenhagen.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have said that they expect respect for the Kingdom of Denmark's territorial integrity from the U.S. side.

"We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again. You cannot annex other countries. Not even with an argument about international security. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the USA should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity," the two leaders said in a joint statement.

Rasmussen said in a written statement to Danish broadcaster DR that while the appointment underscores continued American interest in the Arctic island, "everyone, including the U.S., must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark."

Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, stating he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains authority over foreign affairs and defense.

Economically, Greenland depends on subsidies from Copenhagen equivalent to a fifth of its GDP, and on its fishing sector.

Copenhagen is in charge of Greenland's judicial affairs, monetary policy, foreign affairs, defense and security policy.

In January, 85 percent of Greenland residents said they opposed becoming part of the United States, according to a poll published in the Greenlandic daily Sermitsiaq. Six percent were in favor.

(With input from Xinhua and AFP)