Greenland's leader says his people don't want to be Americans amid Trump's interest: “We want to be Greenlandic”

Greenland's prime minister said on Friday that people in the mineral-rich Arctic region don't want to be Americans, but he understands. The interest of US President-elect Donald Trump in this island given the favorable location and open to greater cooperation with Washington.

The comments by the Greenlandic leader, Múte B. Egede, came after Trump said earlier this week that he would not rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland – a Danish territory – part of the United States. Trump said it is a matter of national security in the US Melting sea ice has opened up new shipping routes across the Arcticand Western powers already expressed concern about Russia and China are using it to develop their presence in the North Atlantic.

Egede agreed to that Greenland is part of the North American continentand “a place Americans see as part of their world.” He said he has not spoken to Trump, but is open to discussions about what “brings us together.”

Cooperation is about discussions, cooperation means that you will work to find solutions,” he said.

Egede has been calling for independence for Greenland, labeling Denmark as a colonial power that has mistreated the indigenous Inuit people.

“Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. We don't want to be Danish, we don't want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic,” he said at a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.

Trump's desire for Greenland has caused concern in Denmark and across Europe. The United States is a staunch ally of the 27-nation European Union and a leading member of the NATO alliance, and many Europeans are shocked by the suggestion that the incoming US leader might consider using force against his ally.

But Frederiksen said he sees a positive side to the conversation.

“The debate about Greenlandic independence and recent announcements from the US show us a lot of interest in Greenland,” he said. “Events that created many thoughts and feelings for many in Greenland and Denmark.”

“The US is a very close partner, and we will do everything to continue strong cooperation,” he said.

Frederiksen and Egede spoke to reporters after the annual meeting of Denmark and its two territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The meeting was previously scheduled and was not called in response to Trump's recent comments. Trump's eldest son also visited Greenland on Tuesdaylanded on a plane emblazoned with the name TRUMP and handed out Make America Great Again caps to locals.

Danish public broadcaster DR reported on Friday that Trump's team encouraged homeless and socially disadvantaged people in Greenland to appear in a video wearing MAGA hats after being offered a free meal at a fancy restaurant. The report quoted a resident of this area, Tom Amtof, who saw some of those in the video broadcast by the Trump team.

“They are bribed, and it is very disgusting,” he said.

Greenland has a population of 57,000. But it is a large field with natural resources including oil, gas, and rare earths, which are expected to be easily accessible The ice is melting because of climate change. Greenland may have significant reserves of up to 31 different minerals, including lithium and graphite. These rare materials are needed to produce electric car batteries. China at the moment produces about 65% of earth's graphite.

While Copenhagen is responsible for its foreign affairs and defense, the US also shares responsibility for the defense of Greenland
and operates a base there, the Pituffik Space Base, to this day remains the northernmost location of the US military.

Haley Ott contributed to this report.