Greenland says US talks make progress but will never sell the island

Greenland's government said talks with the United States on Greenland's future have made important progress but emphasized the island will never be sold to the US or any other party ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

US special envoy Jeff Landry, appointed by former President Donald Trump to pursue American acquisition or control of Greenland, arrived in Nuuk on May 17 and met Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Foreign Minister Mute Egede on May 18 ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Prime Minister Nielsen said Greenland is focused on a solution that benefits all and firmly rejects any "threats of annexation, takeover or a purchase of Greenland and the Greenlandic people." He told reporters, "We believe there is progress, and from Greenland's side we are focused on finding a solution that is good for us all, and most importantly that threats of annexation, takeover or a purchase of Greenland and the Greenlandic people does not occur" ^[1].

Foreign Minister Mute Egede stated that they explained Greenland's position and "red lines," making clear that "we will not sell Greenland, we will own Greenland for all time." She added that Landry came seeking a meeting to understand their stance ^[1].

Landry said he was in Greenland to "listen and learn" and made no public statement as of May 18 ^[1].

Greenland is a semi-autonomous Danish territory. US President Trump’s past interest in buying or gaining control of Greenland caused tensions with Denmark and NATO allies ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Currently, the US operates one active military base in Greenland, Pituffik Space Base, far fewer than the estimated 17 US military facilities there around 1945 ^[1]. The US seeks to expand its military footprint and integrate Greenland into a planned "Golden Dome" missile defense system, according to some sources ^[1].

The envoy’s visit and talks represent a continuing US effort to deepen ties but stop short of any claim to ownership.

Landry’s arrival on May 17 and his meetings on May 18 with Greenland’s top officials mark key steps in ongoing discussions about Greenland's future cooperation with the United States ^{[1, 2, 3]}.