BRUSSELS — BRUSSELS (AP) — Greenland’s chief on Wednesday thanked the European Union for being “a trusted buddy” and urged the 27-nation bloc to put money into his nation’s mineral assets, renewable vitality, airports and web providers.

In a speech to the European Parliament, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that “2025 has been an eventful if not dramatic yr for Greenland.” He famous the problem posed by local weather change however didn’t point out President Donald Trump’s speak of seizing the Arctic island.

“We’d like cooperation and partnerships with like-minded nations and establishments who share our values. The EU has been a secure, dependable and vital companion for Greenland for greater than 40 years,” the 34-year-old premier stated in Strasbourg, France.

He prolonged “a heartfelt thanks” to the EU “to your sturdy assist for Greenland throughout difficult occasions we’re going by way of proper now. You’ve got stood by us as a buddy and companion. We are going to always remember this.”

Greenland was a colony below Denmark’s crown till 1953, when it turned a province within the Scandinavian nation. In 1979, the island was granted residence rule, and 30 years later, Greenland turned a self-governing entity. It stays a part of the Danish realm.

Denmark, which additionally at the moment holds the EU’s rotating presidency, and Greenland have rejected Trump’s provides to purchase the island. He hasn’t dominated out army pressure to take management of the mineral-rich territory.

When requested by a reporter earlier than his speech about relations with the Trump administration, Nielsen stated that U.S.-Greenland ties must be managed “in mutual respect, with respect for worldwide legislation.”

“We search to have extra and higher cooperation additionally with the usA., after we can fulfill the respectful tone,” he stated.

Throughout the speech, Nielsen stated that Greenland has many of the crucial uncooked minerals that the EU is in search of, however that mining these assets is “capital intensive.” He additionally urged the bloc to put money into the untapped hydroelectricity potential offered by the island’s rivers and glaciers.

Nielsen additionally referred to as for monetary assist to develop telecommunications networks, significantly within the poorly linked north, and to construct two regional airports.

“It’s important for us that those that function telecommunications in Greenland are trusted and dependable actors. That is important to make sure the steadiness of the infrastructure, and to stop unauthorized events from disrupting and compromising connections,” he stated.

Lawmakers gave Nielsen a standing ovation as he stated “thanks for being a trusted buddy of Greenland.”