Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is embarking on a three-day visit to Greenland, aimed at fostering trust among local officials amid the Trump administration's interest in the vast Arctic territory.

The announcement of her trip follows US vice president JD Vance's recent visit to a US air base in Greenland, during which he criticised Denmark for underinvestment in the region.

Greenland, a mineral-rich island of strategic importance that is becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change, has been identified by Mr Trump as crucial to US security. Although geographically part of North America, it operates as a semi-autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.

Ms Frederiksen is scheduled to meet with the newly elected Greenlandic leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, following last month's election that resulted in a new government. She will also engage with the incoming Naalakkersuisut, or cabinet, during her visit, which is set to conclude on Friday.

In a government statement announcing the visit, she expressed how "It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland".

Her agenda includes discussions with Mr Nielsen regarding cooperation between Greenland and Denmark. The Greenlandic population, numbering around 57,000, has been striving for eventual independence from Denmark for several years.

The blustering approach of the Trump administration regarding Greenland has sparked outrage among residents and Danish authorities, due to threats implying potential military takeover to achieve control over the island. Greenland's incoming government aims for a more measured pursuit of independence.

The pro-US Naleraq party in Greenland, which is keen on rapid progression towards independence, found itself ostracised from forming part of the new ruling coalition.

Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor at the Danish Defence Academy, observed that the aggressive stance of the Trump administration could have an adverse effect, driving those favouring a moderate approach into closer alignment with Denmark.

According to Jakobsen, "Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from this idea about a close relationship to the United States because they don't trust him."