U.S. Secretary of state met today with Mette Frederiksen (Mette Frederiksen) and Jeppe Kofod (Jeppe Kofod).
Last year, the U.S. President expressed his desire to buy off the Danish Greenland. This caused a massive debate in Greenland and Denmark. Today, almost a year later, the American Secretary of state came to Denmark for a visit. Employee DR Johannes Langkilde (Johannes Langkilde) took from it exclusive interview.
The Secretary of state has made clear that the United States hesitated too long before you start to protect its interests in the region.
“We were all too naive and just watched the situation, while the interests of Russia and China became more aggressive,” said Mike Pompeo DR.
Late
As the Arctic ice retreating because of climate change, they open up new possibilities for research, trade and strip transport routes. In this regard, between the US, Russia and China began a geopolitical competition. That is why Americans are turning increasingly to Denmark, explains correspondent DR in USA.
“Since the Russians and Chinese more clearly show their intentions in the Arctic, the Americans are forced to act. They have to make contact with Denmark and to conclude contracts on its presence in the region,” says Lasse Engelbrecht (Lasse Engelbrecht).
In this sense, Americans are a little late, admitted the Secretary of state.
“We’re a little late to this party, but nothing. I used to come on holidays too late, but still was having a good time. We will succeed,” said Mike Pompeo.
Now the US will start to operate, he said. “If our enemies want to make a contest in this region, we can’t just turn the other cheek. We must respond to ensure the safety of Americans and the Danes, and to promote their welfare.”
Consulate and icebreakers
Americans are already doing this.
A little over a month ago, the US opened a new Consulate in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk.
Also, the us President Donald trump ordered to create a fleet of icebreakers that can operate in the Arctic. This will provide US opportunities for investment and infrastructure development in the region.
The fleet should be ready by the end of this decade, said Donald trump earlier this year.
Last year after seven years of inactivity, the US formed the so-called Second fleet, in charge of the territory from the North-Eastern United States to the North pole.
“We have a very clear goal. We strive to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, but also want to Denmark everything was fine,” explained Mike Pompeo.
Interest on the part of Americans has been growing for several years, says a correspondent of DR in the United States. As the melting of ice in the Arctic is becoming easier to move around. There are new transport routes, simplifies the transfer of military forces. In addition, many people are interested in access to natural resources, says Lasse Engelbrecht.
Russia and China
Russia has already invested in the region of millions. Its President, Vladimir Putin does not hide that the Arctic is a priority for the country.
The Russians are modernizing old Soviet military bases, as well as build new ones. Only for the period 2014 on the territory of more than 710, 000 square meters, built more than 500 military installations, including the North Nagurskoye air base on the archipelago Franz-Joseph to the East of Spitsbergen and naval base on Wrangel island.
China also invests in the Arctic. For example, it has opened research station on Spitsbergen in 2013 signed a free trade agreement with Iceland and side by side with the Russian gas company Gazprom has started to drill for oil in Russian waters.
Two years ago, China published its first strategy on the Arctic. It talks about the intentions of the superpower in terms of access to resources such as oil, gas and minerals and to transport routes.
Close allies
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of state and his Danish colleague Jeppe Kofod-discussed issues from the coronavirus to the situation in the Arctic. Among other things Mike Pompeo said that Denmark remains one of the closest allies of the United States.
“Both our countries — a strong democracy. And we must continue to protect them. Both Denmark and the United States do so with the help of NATO,” said Mike Pompeo.
Pompeo also met with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as well as representatives of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The official part of the visit is finished, but before leaving Denmark, Pompeo will take part in several meetings.
For example, he’s going to meet with the former Prime Minister of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen (Anders Fogh Rasmussen).
