French President and Danish Prime Minister to discuss Arctic security and cooperation amid US expansionist tensions.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Greenland on 15 June, accompanied by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as part of an initiative to underscore 'European unity' amidst increasing tensions surrounding US interests in the Arctic region.
The visit is set against the backdrop of increased advocacy for Greenland's strategic significance, particularly following remarks from US officials regarding the territory's mineral wealth and geopolitical position.
During the visit, Macron and Frederiksen will engage in discussions alongside Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Premier of Greenland, focusing on key issues such as Arctic security, economic development, climate change, and energy policy.
In a statement, Frederiksen emphasized the importance of international support for Greenland, highlighting recent geopolitical pressures.
The announcement of the visit follows a series of statements from former US President
Donald Trump asserting the need for the United States to consider annexing Greenland to counterbalance the growing military influence of Russia and China in the Arctic.
These remarks have sparked significant international discussion regarding the territorial integrity and political autonomy of Greenland.
On 5 June, the French National Assembly approved a resolution with a narrow margin (212-198), signaling potential military support for Denmark in response to perceived US expansionist strategies in the Arctic.
Frederiksen characterized the recent pressures on Greenland and Denmark from the United States as 'unacceptable', echoing mounting concerns over US foreign policy.
The visit was anticipated by local media in Greenland, with reports emerging as early as the previous week regarding plans for a summer meeting.
Prior to the visit announcement, Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenlandic Foreign Minister, traveled to France to extend a formal invitation to President Macron, marking a substantial diplomatic gesture between the entities.
This visit is positioned as a pivotal moment in reinforcing cooperation between the European nations, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, which is increasingly becoming a focal area of global strategic interest.