Greenland an 'important strategic location,' says Polish president

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said the issue of Greenland requires extensive discussion on Tuesday (January 13), after U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his desire to take control of the autonomous territory.

Speaking to Polish press during a visit to London, Nawrocki said Greenland was an "important strategic location" in the midst of what he described as a "great threat" from Russia and "economic rivalry" from China.

Trump has said the United States must own Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China occupying the strategically located and minerals-rich territory in the future.

Before speaking to press, Nawrocki met with British PM Keir Starmer for talks which included security issues.

Poland and the United Kingdom are NATO allies, with British troops deployed in Poland on NATO missions. Poland's navy is building new frigates based on British designs and UK defence firm Babcock is involved in the construction of new Swedish-built submarines for Poland.

Nawrocki also addressed domestic issues and said he was leaving all options open regarding his decision on this year's budget.

Nawrocki said he had many objections to the budget, put forward by the government of political rival Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He has until the end of the week to sign the budget bill or send it to the Constitutional Tribunal.

Production: Anna Lubowicka/Reuters