Feb 7 • 13:30 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Greenland's Minister of Economy: We welcome cooperation with Washington and do not want to be American

Greenland's economy minister Nayata Nathanielsen emphasized the island's openness to cooperation with the United States while firmly rejecting any attempts to compromise its sovereignty or status.

Nayata Nathanielsen, the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Minerals in Greenland, expressed the island's willingness to collaborate with the United States during an interview with Al Jazeera from Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. While welcoming the potential for American investments, particularly in the minerals sector, she firmly stated that Greenland does not wish to become part of the U.S. Nathanielsen highlighted ongoing discussions between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States about possibly updating defense agreements, though detailed terms were not specified at this stage.

The minister also pointed out NATO's commitment to increasing its presence in the northern regions, including parts of Canada and Alaska, enhancing surveillance and security in the Arctic. This emphasis on collective security indicates Greenland's strategic importance in the context of geopolitical considerations in the Arctic, particularly with growing attention on resources and defense in this area. Nathanielsen reiterated that while they are open to international investments, Greenland prioritizes maintaining its sovereignty and ensuring that any cooperation is built within existing frameworks that respect local laws.

Finally, Nathanielsen rejected the idea of replicating the 'mineral deals' model seen in other countries, insisting that any partnership must be mutually beneficial and considerate of Greenlandic laws and regulations. This statement reflects Greenland's desire to assert its identity and control over its resources as interest from larger nations increases, marking a critical juncture in its economic and political landscape amid rising global competition over Arctic resources.

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