German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he expects the United States to take part in a stronger NATO presence to improve Greenland’s security, as a transatlantic row looms over control of the huge Arctic territory.
In comments made on Monday during his visit to India, Merz said: “We share the US concerns that this part of Denmark needs better protection.”
“We simply want to improve Greenland’s security situation together. And I assume the Americans will also take part in this.”
His comments come as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is in Washington for talks with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio.
Merz said he hopes for an amicable solution within NATO. As for the extent of any US contribution, “that will be shown by talks in the coming days and weeks.”
Several NATO states such as the United Kingdom had recently spoken in favour of expanding the alliance’s presence in the Arctic.
A proposal envisages a monitoring mission called “Arctic Sentry” according to diplomats. It is intended to deprive the US of the argument that security in the strategically important region cannot be sufficiently guaranteed.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that his country must take ownership of Greenland for US security reasons. He has not ruled out acquiring the frozen island by force.
German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Kingbeil, also in the US capital for talks on Monday, said on Sunday before leaving that the US should respect international law and territorial sovereignty.
Greenland, with its population of under 57,000, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but enjoys considerable autonomy, except in the areas of defence and foreign policy.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz visit a kite festival during Merz’s first major trip to Asia since taking office in May. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) stand at the edge of a kite festival as fireworks light up the sky over the Sabarmati River, during Merz’s first major trip to Asia since taking office in May. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz visit a kite festival during Merz’s first major trip to Asia since taking office in May. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) sit together in a limousine on their way to their next appointment at the Gandhi Ashram, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking Merz’s first major trip to Asia since taking office. Kay Nietfeld/dpa