Denmark on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to defending Greenland and its national territory after US President Donald Trump renewed calls for the United States to assume control of the Arctic island, overshadowing discussions at the NATO Summit in Ankara.

Speaking ahead of the meeting of NATO leaders, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressed that Denmark would defend every part of its territory and expressed confidence that fellow NATO members would uphold the alliance's collective defense commitments.

"We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory," Frederiksen said, reaffirming Denmark's commitment to the alliance's principle that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all.

She also underscored Greenland's right to determine its own future, rejecting any suggestion that the autonomous Danish territory could become subject to foreign control.

"We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people's right to self-determination. Greenland is, of course, not for sale," she said.

Trump reignited the long-running debate over Greenland by reiterating that the strategically important Arctic island should come under US control, reviving remarks that first drew international attention during his previous term in office.

His comments introduced an unexpected point of tension at the NATO Summit, where allied leaders are primarily focused on strengthening collective defense, increasing military spending, and addressing security challenges posed by Russia's war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and occupies a strategically significant position in the Arctic. The island hosts critical military infrastructure, including the US-operated Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, which plays a key role in missile warning, space surveillance, and Arctic defense.

The Arctic has become an increasingly important strategic region as melting sea ice opens new shipping routes and access to natural resources, prompting growing competition among major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.

Despite the renewed controversy, NATO officials have sought to emphasize alliance unity throughout the summit, highlighting continued cooperation on defense planning, military readiness, and support for Ukraine.

While Trump's remarks drew attention, neither NATO nor Danish officials indicated that the issue would alter the alliance's broader agenda, which remains focused on reinforcing transatlantic security and strengthening deterrence against emerging threats. (ILKHA)