French foreign minister visits Greenland in show of support for the Arctic territory

Source: AP

Updated 9:21 AM EDT, August 31, 2025


PARIS (AP) — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot insisted that Greenland “is not for sale,” and criticized the U.S. for its intentions to take control of the strategic Arctic territory during a visit Sunday to its capital, Nuuk.

Barrot spoke in a news conference following a working meeting with Greenland’s prime minister and foreign minister. “Greenland is not for sale,” he said, echoing French President Emmanuel Macron’s similar comments during a June visit to the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he seeks U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland. He has not ruled out a military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

“You’ll not make a nation great again by imposing yourself on your neighbors and allies,” said Barrot. “You’ll make a nation great again by contributing to the freedom of the world and to the ability of friends and partners to thrive and to live in peace and prosperity.”

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/greenland-french-foreign-minister-barrot-support-4ae709e03350573986026680eb07356a