French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian emphasized that Greenland “is not for sale” and criticized the United States for its intentions to control the strategic Arctic territory during his visit on Sunday to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Le Drian made the remarks at a press conference following a working meeting with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Greenland.

He said, “Greenland is not for sale,” echoing similar statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit in June to this vast Danish territory with autonomous status.

US President Donald Trump had repeatedly expressed his desire to bring Greenland under US jurisdiction and did not rule out the use of military force to control the mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic island.

Le Drian added, “You do not make a nation great again by imposing your will on your neighbors and allies, but by contributing to establishing freedom in the world, enabling friends and partners to prosper and live in peace and prosperity.”

Le Drian, who visited a French military ship docked in Nuuk on Saturday, said his two-day visit aims to show France’s support for the sovereignty and freedom of Denmark and Greenland.

He stated, “My visit carries a clear message: Greenland and Denmark are not alone; Europe and France stand by them now and in the future.”