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‘Fundamental and firm line’: PM Nielsen says Greenland’s security 'belongs in Nato', rejects US takeover plans

FP News Desk January 12, 2026, 22:18:17 IST

“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and part of Nato through the Commonwealth. This means that our security and defence belong in Nato. That is a fundamental and firm line,” Nielsen wrote on Facebook

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Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomes Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the day of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2025. Reuters File
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomes Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the day of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2025. Reuters File

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Monday said that Greenland’s security and defence “belong in Nato” and firmly rejected any US attempts to take over the territory, addressing growing international attention over Washington’s interest in the region.

“That is why it is important to be absolutely clear: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and part of Nato through the Commonwealth. This means that our security and defence belong in Nato. That is a fundamental and firm line,” The Guardian quoted Nielsen as writing on Facebook.

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He acknowledged that the spotlight on Greenland reflects its “strategic importance” and noted that “there has been a lot of international attention in our country, and in itself, that is positive.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening Greenland’s security through Nato, Nielsen stressed the territory’s democratic autonomy.

“We are a democratic society that makes our own decisions. And our actions are based on international law …,” he added.

Earlier, the Greenlandic government also issued a statement responding to US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the territory, insisting it “cannot accept under any circumstances” any US desire to take over Greenland.

The statement highlighted that Greenland is “part of the Kingdom of Denmark” and, as a member of the Danish Commonwealth, its defence must be coordinated through Nato.

“Based on the very positive statement from the six Nato member states regarding Greenland, the Government of Greenland will increase its efforts to ensure that the defence of Greenland takes place under the auspices of Nato,” the statement said.

It added that “all Nato member states, including the United States, have a common interest in the defence of Greenland,” and the Greenlandic government will work with Denmark to ensure that defence planning and development occurs “within the framework of Nato cooperation.”

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The government coalition concluded by affirming that Greenland “will forever be part of the western defence alliance.”

With inputs from agencies

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