Denmark’s prime minister calls business leaders following Trump’s threat to Greenland By Reuters
COPENHAGEN – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the country’s businessmen to a meeting on Thursday after US President-elect Donald Trump last week threatened military or economic measures such as a tax to control Greenland.
Trump said it was “absolutely necessary” for the United States to take control of the large Arctic island, which is a sovereign territory of Denmark.
Frederiksen told Trump in a 45-minute phone call Wednesday that it was up to Greenland to decide its future and that Denmark was willing to do more to strengthen security in the Arctic.
He also emphasized that Danish companies contribute to growth and jobs in the United States and that the EU and the US share a common interest in increasing trade.
Denmark is home to companies such as drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NYSE: ), shipping group Maersk, brewer Carlsberg (CSE: ), toymaker Lego, jewelry maker Pandora (OTC: ) and wind maker Turbine Vestas.
“It is important that we have good and constructive discussions with Danish businessmen. In a time of political tension, we must seek dialogue and cooperation,” said Minister of Trade and Industry Morten Bodskov in a statement.
The ministry declined to provide details on the time of the meeting or who was invited.
After Frederiksen’s conversation with Trump, foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called members of the foreign policy committee to a meeting on Thursday.
