OSLO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday criticized the United States for its repeated assertions about acquiring Greenland, calling such statements "wrong" and reaffirming France and the European Union's support for Greenland's autonomy and Denmark's sovereignty.
"It is wrong when the United States keeps expressing a wish to take over Greenland," Macron said during a joint press conference in Nuuk with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
He underscored that "Greenland cannot be bought or taken," directly rebuking past comments of U.S. President Donald Trump amid renewed geopolitical interest in the Arctic.
His remarks underscored European unity and opposition to any perceived U.S. encroachment on Denmark's sovereignty.
Since taking office earlier this year, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to gain control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the possibility of using "military or economic coercion" to achieve this goal.
In March, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation visited Pituffik Space Base, a U.S. Space Force base located in Greenland, where Vance criticized Denmark for not doing enough to ensure security in the Arctic or improve the well-being of the Greenlandic people.
During his one-day visit, Macron also announced the opening of a French consulate general in Nuuk - a symbolic move signaling France's intent to deepen diplomatic presence and long-term engagement in the Arctic.
"France has decided to open a consulate general here in Nuuk to be closer to you," he said. "We stand side by side with Greenland, just as the European Union does."
Calling for greater cooperation in the Arctic, Macron said, "We can build a better future through cooperation rather than confrontation." He noted that he had informed Trump of his trip in advance and emphasized France's interest in working together with both Greenland and Denmark on issues such as climate change, economic development, and education.
Nielsen welcomed the visit as a significant moment, expressing appreciation for Macron's support. The Greenlandic prime minister said, "He has distanced himself from the talk that our country can be taken over, and he shows great support for us."
Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, stressing that while Denmark is open to dialogue with the United States, any discussions about Arctic security must be handled "in a proper manner."
"In a time of growing uncertainty, European unity is more important than ever," she told Danish broadcaster DR, "That is why it is really important that the French president comes, because it helps to emphasize the necessary European unity in this situation."
Earlier in the day, Macron's arrival was warmly welcomed by Nuuk residents, many waving EU flags. Local citizens expressed appreciation for the visit, viewing it as a counterweight to U.S. pressure.
"It is very moving to see the flag and the connection to the European idea," Macron said, highlighting shared values between France, Greenland, and the broader European community.
Among the citizens are Esthannguaq Kruse and her son. Kruse told Greenland's newspaper Sermitsiaq, "I think it's exciting what consequences this visit will have. I think it's scary that Trump is pushing himself. And I hear that Macron supports us, so I'm happy about that."
Due to weather-related adjustments, Macron, Frederiksen, and Nielsen held a trilateral meeting aboard the Danish Navy frigate Niels Juel, where they discussed Arctic cooperation and security. The three leaders also visited the Qamanaarsuup Sermia glacier to observe the impact of climate change firsthand.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, although Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. Enditem
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