NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on January 21 that the only way to resolve the crisis over Greenland is “considerate diplomacy,” adding that he is working “behind the scenes” on the issue.
The head of the Western military alliance, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, declined to comment on US President Donald Trump’s plans to take control of the island, saying diplomacy is more important than public statements.
“I assure you that I am working behind the scenes on this issue,” the NATO chief said during a panel in Davos.
He reiterated that he would not make a public statement, saying that “the only way to resolve the crisis is through thoughtful diplomacy.”
The alliance head is set to meet Trump in the Swiss ski resort as the president’s push to take over Greenland from Denmark has rocked NATO.
Rutte has sought to deflect Trump’s interest in the Danish autonomous territory into a broader discussion at NATO on bolstering Arctic security.
“When it comes to the Arctic, I think President Trump is right. Other leaders in NATO are right. We need to defend the Arctic,” he said.
Rutte dismissed fears that the crisis over Greenland could cause to the collapse of the 76-year-old alliance.
“NATO is crucial, not only for the defence of Europe, but also for the defence of the United States,” he said.
