‘Thoughtful diplomacy needed’ on Greenland tensions, says NATO chief Mark Rutte

NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that “thoughtful diplomacy” was needed to deal with tensions over Greenland as President Donald Trump heads to Davos to challenge US claims in the region.

“I see that there are these tensions now, there is no doubt about that. I repeat, I will not comment on this, but I can assure you that the only way to deal with this is, ultimately, thoughtful diplomacy,” Rutte said in his speech at the World Economic Forum. he said.

“Rest assured I’m working on this behind the scenes, but I can’t do it publicly.”

While the president’s effort to take over Greenland from Denmark shakes NATO, the alliance president is preparing to meet Trump at the ski resort in Switzerland.

Rutte tried to redirect Trump’s attention to the Danish autonomous region into a broader discussion in NATO about strengthening Arctic security. “I think President Trump is right when it comes to the North Pole. Other leaders in NATO are right. We need to defend the North Pole,” he said.

Rutte dismissed fears that the Greenland crisis could lead to the collapse of the 76-year-old alliance.
“NATO is vital not only to the defense of Europe, but also to the defense of the United States,” he said. “For the United States to stay safe, you need a safe Arctic, a safe Atlantic, and a safe Europe.”

The NATO secretary-general pushed back on Trump’s comments that cast doubt on whether Europe would help defend the United States if asked. “I tell him, yes they will,” Rutte said.

“I have no doubt that the United States will come to the rescue here, and we will come to the aid of the United States.”