NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte refrained from commenting on President Donald Trump’s request for his assistance on the United States’ interest in taking control of Greenland.
The former Dutch Prime Minister met with Trump at the White House on Thursday where they discussed issues affecting Europe, including the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO defense budgets.
Responding to a reporter’s question on his vision for the potential annexation of Greenland, the President insists the US needs the territory for security.
“I think it will happen; I’m sitting with a man that could be very instrumental,” Trump said, adding: “Mark, we need that (Greenland) for international security.”
The President informed the Secretary General that America has “a lot of favorite players cruising around the coast and we have to be careful. We’ll be taking to you”
In response, Rutte said: “When it comes to Greenland, yes or not joining the US, I will leave that outside this discussion. I don’t want to drag NATO in.”
But on the safety of the High North and the Arctic, he acknowledged Trump was “totally right” as the “Chinese are using the route”, while “the Russians are already arming.”
The NATO chief said the seven Arctic countries (except Russia) working together under the US leadership “is very important to ensure that part of the world stays safe.”
NATO chief replies Trump on US interest in Greenland
