The prime minister of Greenland called on the country to strive for greater independence from its mother country, Denmark, in a New Year’s address delivered this week, in light of the controversy surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s calls for the U.

Greenland’s prime minister has reiterated his call for independence from Denmark after Donald Trump suggested the US could acquire the Arctic territory.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasised his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year speech, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island's future.

Former national security adviser Robert O’Brien said in a Sunday interview that Denmark should let the U.S. “buy” Greenland if it cannot defend the self-governing country, noting the territory

The self-governing Danish territory has been in the spotlight since US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his wish to buy the island. View on euronews

During his New Year's speech, the Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Egede, expressed his desire for independence from Denmark. He stated that he wants the island to determine its own future, Reuters reports.