Norwegian FM backs Denmark's sovereignty after Trump renews interest in Greenland
Jan 05, 2026
Oslo [Norway], January 5: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said on Sunday that countries' sovereignty must be respected after U.S. President Donald Trump again asserted that the United States needs Greenland.
"The fact that he says it again reminds us how important it is to stand up for fundamental principles. One must respect countries' sovereignty," Eide told Norwegian broadcaster NRK in an interview.
He said Norway, like other European countries, stands in solidarity behind Denmark, adding that any internal changes in the Danish Realm would be for Danish and Greenlandic people to decide, and no one else.
He also noted there is no direct link between the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and Denmark or Greenland, citing different historical contexts.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement that the United States has no right to annex Greenland, urging Washington to stop making threats against a close ally and the Greenlandic people.
Last month, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tension between Washington and the Danish Realm.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
