Greenland's leader supports independence from the US and Denmark.
Greenland's leaders have stated that the people on the island want independence.
According to RIA Novosti, Greenland leader Mute Egede said on January 13 that the people of Greenland want independence and to decide their own future.
Mr. Egede said: "The people of Greenland don't want to be Danes or Americans. They want to decide their own future and the future of their country."
When asked whether the US intended to increase its military presence on the island, Egede replied that Greenland was negotiating defense matters with relevant partners, but it was too early to comment on the topic.
Greenland's leaders emphasized that the island is ready to cooperate not only with the United States – particularly in the exploitation of its natural resources – but also with other countries to strengthen its independence.
Egede believes that: "We see that the world is changing rapidly. Powerful nations are on the verge of the Arctic. Greenland can benefit from this by cooperating with them."
He also noted that the island recognizes Russia's role and position on the international stage. Furthermore, according to Egede, the statements of US President-elect Donald Trump are "interesting but should not be frightening."
The Greenland leader added: "The people of Greenland must unite to survive together in this new situation."
Before officially taking office as president, Donald Trump repeatedly stated that Greenland should become part of the United States. According to Trump, the island is of strategic importance to U.S. national security. At the same time, the future occupant of the White House did not rule out the possibility of using military force to establish control over this Danish territory.
