President Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, has begun his first visit to the Arctic island in a bid to build ties and make 'friends'.
I'm here simply to build relationships, to look, to listen and to learn, Landry said after stepping off an official US plane in Greenland's capital Nuuk on Monday.
However, Landry's visit comes with tensions. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the island is not for sale, with some Greenlanders giving Landry the cold shoulder.
The trip follows a diplomatic spat initiated by Trump’s earlier threats to take Greenland by force. Accompanied by a small entourage, Landry, who is also the Governor of Louisiana, traveled for a business summit and to attend the opening of a new US consulate building.
Landry’s visit, aimed at mending fences, includes efforts to assess Greenland's medical needs, although criticism has arisen regarding the approach, seen as trying to bypass formal diplomacy.
Despite Landry's commitment to fostering goodwill, many locals express apprehensions about U.S. intentions, recalling recent threats that made the timing of his visit feel inappropriate.
Greenland's leaders are adamant that they desire self-determination, highlighting ongoing tensions as Landry seeks to establish constructive relations.
In future discussions, local leaders reiterate a need for an environment that respects Greenland’s autonomy and the complex history intertwined with U.S. interests.
