Denmark PM calls business leaders after Trump’s Greenland threat Reuters

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the country’s business leaders to a meeting on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump last week threatened military or economic measures, such as tariffs, to control Greenland.

Trump said it was “absolutely essential” that the United States take control of the vast Arctic island, which is semi-autonomous to Denmark.

Frederiksen told Trump in a 45-minute phone call on Wednesday that it was up to Greenland to decide its future and that Denmark was willing to do more to strengthen security in the Arctic.

She emphasized that Danish companies contribute to growth and jobs in the United States and that the EU and the US have a common interest in increasing trade.

Denmark is home to companies such as drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NYSE: ), shipping group Maersk, brewer Carlsberg (CSE: ), toymaker Lego, jewelry maker Pandora (OTC: ) and wind turbine maker Vestas.

“It is important that we have a good and constructive dialogue with the Danish business community. In times of geopolitical tensions, we need to seek dialogue and cooperation,” said Minister of Trade and Industry Morten Bodskov in a statement.

The minister refused to give detailed information about the time of the meeting or who was invited.

Following Frederickson’s meeting with Trump, Foreign Minister Lars Lok Rasmussen called members of the Foreign Policy Committee into a meeting on Thursday.