TRANSCRIPT
Greenland rarely garners much international attention.
But since late December, when US President Donald Trump said he wanted to make Greenland a part of the United States and take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, it's been thrust into the geopolitical spotlight.
Prime Minister, Mute Egede has consistently made one thing clear: Greenland is not for sale.
"We don't want to be Danes. We don't want to be Americans. We want to be Greenlandic. And of course it is the Greenlandic people who decide their future."
The U-S is intensifying its charm offensive with a private visit to the island.
A high-profile US delegation –led by second lady Usha Vance – will visit historical sites, and attend an annual dogsled race this week.
It's been described by Mr Egede as an act of provocation, while speaking of worry in Greenland.
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will reportedly attend, along with former mining executive and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
That's all while Mr Trump restates his plan for annexation, in the declared interest of international security.
"And I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future. I think it's important. It's important from the standpoint of international security. And if you look at the ships outside of Greenland, you have Russia, you have China, you have lots of different people and lots of different places, and it cannot go on the way it is. It's not going to go on the way it is. I'll make a statement. It's not going to happen. So, they're going there and that's purely friendship."
Mr Trump's desire to control Greenland is not new.
He first proposed the so-called "real estate deal" in 2019, during his first presidential term, but was swiftly rebuffed by Denmark.
This time, he doesn't appear to be so easily deterred.
That's with Mr Trump now claiming his administration is working with who he vaguely describes as "people in Greenland" – that want something to happen.
"We're dealing with a lot of people from Greenland that would like to see something happen with respect to their being properly protected and properly taken care of. They're calling us. We're not calling them. And we were invited over there and I thought it would be a great, I have great respect for the wife of our first, of our great vice president. I think she's doing - she's a brilliant woman."
Greenland is the world's largest island, that's been part of Denmark for 600 years.
It's also a founding member of political and military alliance NATO and home to a large US military base.
Straddling air and sea routes in the Arctic circle between the US, Russia and Europe, Greenland offers a unique geopolitical advantage that America has desired for more than 150 years.
But as well as its coveted location, Greenland holds rich deposits of natural resources, including those needed to advance new technologies.
President Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, who earlier this year made the trip north, went to see its vast, mineral-rich landscape – but in doing so, claimed to be nothing more than a tourist.
"We're a little pressed for time because we only have a couple hours of daylight so we got to see everything but we're really excited to be here. Thank you guys so much. Just here as tourists. Seeing it, looks like an incredible place, we’ve been talking about going here for a while."
The Greenlandic government is now in a caretaker phase following the March 11th parliamentary election won by the Democrats – who secured a surprise victory over Mr Egede's I-A (Inuit Ataqatigiit) party.
Leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen – who is expected to become the next prime minister – has criticised the timing of the US visit, which will take place during coalition talks and with municipal elections due next week.
Meanwhile, the European Union says it will stand with Denmark, with spokeswoman Anitta Hipper maintaining its position is consistent with international law.
"The European Union fully supports and stands with the Kingdom of Denmark. This is the most important thing. Then as regards all the comments that have been made, let it be clear that from the EU side, we will continue to uphold the principles of national sovereignty, the territorial integrity of our borders and the UN charter. These are universal principles that we stand by and will not stop defending them."
Ahead of the visit, two US Hercules military transport planes touched down in the capital, carrying security personnel and bulletproof vehicles.
Around 60 police officers from Denmark also arrived in Nuuk – said to be part of regular steps taken during visits by dignitaries.
