Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen Emphasizes Respect for Denmark in Meeting with New U.S. Ambassador
In a significant diplomatic encounter on Tuesday, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen conveyed to the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery, his expectation that “the Kingdom of Denmark is respected.” This statement came during their meeting, as highlighted by a post from the Ministry of Defense on X.
Howery’s initial engagement in Danish affairs follows shortly after stepping into the role last week. In their discussion, Lund Poulsen reiterated the strong bond between Denmark and the United States, asserting, “I naturally expect that the Kingdom of Denmark will be respected.”
The minister pointed out the challenges faced over the past 11 months, notably referencing former President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Greenland. Trump famously expressed a desire for U.S. control over the island, even suggesting the possibility of military force, although he has recently refrained from discussing this issue publicly.
According to Lund Poulsen, the central takeaway from the meeting was a reaffirmation of the strong alliance between Denmark and the United States, emphasizing that Denmark is committed to its share of responsibilities regarding their collective security.
Moreover, discussions extended beyond Greenland. The two officials also touched on the robust defense collaboration between the two nations. Key topics included the importance of sustained support for Ukraine and concerns regarding lengthy delivery times facing the American defense industry. Lund Poulsen shared these points along with a photo of the two leaders smiling together.
In a reciprocal gesture, Ambassador Howery also took to X to reflect on their meeting, expressing his enthusiasm for strengthening the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and Denmark in support of their mutual security and defense interests, accompanied by a shared image.
The dialogue marks a pivotal step in addressing both historical tensions and ongoing collaborative efforts in defense and security.