Danish Defense Minister Troels Lun Poulsen called on NATO on Monday to do more in the Arctic, announcing that he and Greenland's Foreign Minister Viviane Motzfelt intend to discuss the issue with the alliance's Secretary General Mark Rutte, DPA reported, BTA reported.
The two ministers are expected in Brussels today for talks at NATO headquarters, as tensions between some member states of the pact and the United States rise.
US President Donald Trump has urged the United States to take control of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, saying that he needs the Arctic island for security reasons.
European NATO allies have strongly opposed any move by the United States to annex the Greenland.
Lun Poulsen said in a statement that Denmark and Greenland had received “broad support“ for the idea that “NATO should do more in the Arctic” after it, along with some allies, decided to increase its military presence in the region.
”Greenland believes it is in an unusual situation that is attracting attention around the world. "The situation requires us to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense and security in the Arctic within NATO," Motzfelt added.
Earlier today, Danish TV2 reported, citing information from the Ministry of Defense, that it would send more military units to Greenland.
Although the exact number was not disclosed, it was reported that there would be a "significant presence".
TV2 added that the new military units would arrive in Kangerlussuaq, about 300 kilometers north of the island's capital, Nuuk, today. Army Chief Major General Peter Boysen will accompany the troops.
According to the Danish Arctic Command, about 100 Danish soldiers were deployed in Nuuk last week, along with a similar number in Kangerlussuaq. The soldiers participated in the Danish-led exercise “Arctic Endurance”, along with other NATO countries.