Denmark says NATO chief has no mandate to negotiate on Greenland

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attends the European Union (EU) special summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

The statement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday that his meeting with Rutte produced "the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region.

OSLO, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on Thursday that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not have a mandate to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.

The statement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday that his meeting with Rutte produced "the framework of a future deal" concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte attends a press conference during the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, June 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

Frederiksen told Danish media that while Denmark has coordinated with a number of partners, including Rutte, to address the challenges facing Greenland, Rutte is not authorized to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.

"The aim is to find a path that respects international law as well as the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland," she added.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen (L, on the snow) is seen during a demonstration against U.S. actions and remarks suggesting control over Greenland in Nuuk, capital of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Anders Kongshaug/Xinhua)

Frederiksen said that NATO can only negotiate matters on NATO's behalf relating to its own Arctic operations. She added that all parties agreed Arctic nations should strengthen cooperation and maintain a long-term presence in the region.

Frederiksen also reaffirmed Denmark's red lines, saying that Greenland's future should be decided by Greenland and sovereignty is not negotiable.