Copenhagen, 21 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The Greenlandic government is calling on the island's population and politicians to remain calm and united in the face of US President Donald Trump's renewed interest in making the territory part of the United States.

The future of Greenland will be determined by the Greenlanders themselves, not by others, Prime Minister Múte B. Egede told a press conference in the capital Nuuk on Tuesday.

He said that the situation is serious and that it is natural for the latest developments to cause unrest. However, the most important thing is to remain calm and to stand together, he said.

Greenland is largely autonomous, but officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

As the largest island in the world, with an important geopolitical position in the Arctic, it has sparked Trump's territorial ambitions. He has spoken of these with sometimes inflammatory language, and has not ruled out military and economic coercion to gain control of the island.

Shortly after taking office, the new US president once again confirmed his interest in Greenland. "Greenland is a wonderful place. We need it for international security, and I'm sure Denmark will cooperate," Trump said at the White House. He did not give  any details about exactly what he expects from Denmark.

Egede and his foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, reported that they were trying to establish a dialogue with the Trump administration. The head of government emphasized that Greenland is not for sale.

Photo: EPA