Greenland’s politicians have condemned plans for high-profile US visits, in the wake of President Donald Trump’s threats to take over the island.
Second Lady Usha Vance will make a cultural visit this week, and a separate trip is expected from Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Outgoing Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede described the plan as aggressive, and said the duo had not been invited for meetings. Meanwhile, the island’s likely next leader accused the US of showing a lack of respect.
Greenland – the world’s biggest island, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans – has been controlled by Denmark, nearly 3,000km (1,860 miles) away, for about 300 years.
It governs its own domestic affairs, but decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. The US has long held a security interest – and has had a military base on the island since World War Two.
It is also thought Trump is interested in the island’s rare earth minerals. His son Donald Jr visited Greenland before Trump’s inauguration in January.
Announcing Mrs Vance’s visit, the White House said the second lady would visit historical sites and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race.
Her delegation – including her son – would be there to “celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity”, the statement said.
Waltz’s trip was confirmed by a source who spoke to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News. He is expected to visit before Mrs Vance and to travel with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to the New York Times.
Credit: bbc.com
