Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Donald Trump remains "serious" about the United States' claim to Greenland, despite recent diplomatic developments and softening public rhetoric.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Frederiksen said Trump's stance on ownership of the semi-autonomous Danish region remains unchanged, even though his rhetoric on the Arctic island has softened in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Denmark and Greenland have begun technical talks on an Arctic security agreement, following Trump's repeated statements about American strategic interest in the region.

In January, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and some of its allies, including the United Kingdom, if they opposed American control of Greenland on national security grounds. A few days later, he backed down, announcing that he had agreed with Mark Rutte within NATO on a possible framework agreement on the Arctic.

Greenland is considered the largest island in the world, with about 80% of its territory covered by ice. The island is rich in minerals and hosts the largest and northernmost US space base above the Arctic Circle, making it a point of strategic military importance.

Since taking office, Trump has intensified his statements about Greenland, insisting that the US will secure control over the island, while also sending American officials on visits to the territory.

However, Frederiksen stressed that she does not believe that the threats of annexation have disappeared, adding that her and Denmark's position remains unchanged. She also stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and the right of peoples to self-determination.