Photo: Ritzau Scanpix/Mads Claus Rasmussen via Reuters
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Berlin on Tuesday and stressed that changing borders by force is unacceptable. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continues to insist on the “necessity” of annexing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, AFP reports.
During the press conference in Berlin, neither leader directly mentioned Trump or Greenland, but Scholz said that “borders should not be changed by force,” adding in English: “To whom it may concern”.
Denmark and Germany are allies
Mette Frederiksen stressed that Denmark and Germany are “close friends” who share “a very similar worldview”. She added that “cooperation, not confrontation” is the key to peace, progress and prosperity in Europe.
Trump’s plans for Greenland
Donald Trump told reporters on Saturday that the United States will “get” Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity” for US national security and freedom in the world.
Trump stressed the strategic importance of the island, as well as its huge reserves of undiscovered minerals and oil, which are still difficult to access.
At the same time, Greenland has repeatedly stated that it is not for sale and wants to decide its own fate.
On Saturday, Mette Frederiksen organised a meeting with the leaders of the Scandinavian countries and the president of Finland to show “solidarity” in the face of US claims.
The Russian threat and the Baltic Sea
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Olaf Scholz reiterated his position against Vladimir Putin’s “dictated peace”. “We agree with our partners in Washington: this war must end,” Scholz said.
The talks also focused on the security of the Baltic Sea after the alleged sabotage of submarine cables in the context of Russia’s “hybrid war” against the West.
