Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede announced on Monday that the autonomous territory is open to stronger ties with the United States, particularly in areas like mining.

He emphasized the importance of business cooperation, stating that Greenland would continue seeking opportunities with the U.S., but made it clear that the territory would not entertain a U.S. takeover.

Egede’s comments followed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s previous remarks about potentially pursuing control over Greenland, which sparked concern, The Guardian has reported.

While Greenland seeks independence from Denmark, Egede reiterated that the territory’s future would be determined by its people, not external powers.

Written by B.C. Begley