Greenland is ready to work with the US on defense, says the country's prime minister

Greenland wants to work more closely with the US to protect and explore its mineral resources, its prime minister said today.

Mute Egede said his government is looking for ways to work with President-elect Donald Trump, who in recent weeks has shown renewed interest in taking control of the territory — without ruling out using military or economic force to do so. Telegraph reports.

Also on Monday, Denmark's foreign minister said he was ready to work with Greenland to "continue talks" with Trump, "to ensure legitimate American interests" in the Arctic.

Greenland, a largely autonomous Danish territory, lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe, making it strategically important to the US.

It is also home to a major American space facility and has some of the world's largest deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential in the production of batteries and high-tech devices.

Trump tried to buy Greenland during his first term in 2019, and has put the issue back on his agenda as his second term approaches — calling it an "absolute necessity" for both American security and also for the international one.

Prime Minister Egede previously said that Greenland was not and would not be "for sale", while emphasizing the importance of being open to "cooperation and trade with the whole world". /Telegraph/