UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen at Chequers, after the US President withdrew tariff threats against European nations over Greenland dispute, according to the Independent.
The meeting centered on Europe’s vital steps towards strengthened security in Greenland after Donald Trump’s threats to take over the island in a bid to ensure the US national security.
Frederiksen thanked Starmer for the UK’s support during “quite a difficult time” for the country amid Trump’s demands to annex the mineral-rich island.
Trump’s Ambitions
Trump has recently intensified his campaign to take control of Greenland from fellow NATO ally Denmark, warning of punitive tariffs against nations that oppose his attempts.
In response, the European Union began to consider retaliatory measures, sparking concerns over a fresh transatlantic trade clash.
“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question.
Remarkable Shift
Starmer welcomed Trump’s change of stance as a “good thing,” noting that it came after weeks of mounting pressure on the UK and its allies and amid the European Union’s plans to consider retaliatory measures, sparking concerns over a fresh transatlantic trade clash.
“In terms of recent developments and the withdrawal of the threat of tariffs, I see that as a reflection of pragmatism, common sense and sticking to our values and our principles,” British Prime Minister said.
He also underscored the significance of “making sure Nato is strong and united.”
“The hard yards now finding a better way forward on the issue that we all agree on, which is security in the Arctic, is the next chapter here, and I look forward to discussing with you how we take the vital steps down that path,” Starmer added.
Landmark Meeting
Trump has dropped his threats to impose 10% tariffs on allies resisting his Greenland ambitions following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Trump said that the meeting had “formed the framework of a future deal” that seeks to foster security in the Arctic region.
However, the details of this deal remain unclear.
In a statement, Frederiksen noted that Denmark was open to negotiations “on everything political, security, investments, economy.”
“But we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty. I have been informed that this has not been the case either,” she added.
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