If requested by Denmark, Latvian Armed Forces would be ready to participate in exercises in Greenland - Spruds

RIGA - If Denmark invites Latvia to participate, the National Armed Forces are ready to take part in military exercises in Greenland, says Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives).

Representatives of the Ministry of Defense, conveying Spruds' opinion, told LETA that Latvia has always been and will be ready to participate in exercises, missions, and operations together with its allies in order to strengthen and ensure NATO's collective defense.

If Denmark invites Latvia to participate, the National Armed Forces are ready to take part in military exercises in Greenland. This is how we can contribute to strengthening regional and transatlantic security, the minister emphasized.

The minister pointed out that the Arctic is a strategically important region where an increase in Russian or Chinese influence is unacceptable.

European allies have taken seriously the concerns expressed by the US about security challenges in the Arctic region and are ready to strengthen their military presence in the Arctic. Latvia is therefore ready to actively participate in military exercises in both European and NATO formats. "In this way, we can strengthen European and transatlantic security," added the minister.

Denmark is one of Latvia's closest allies. Denmark also participates in NATO's multinational brigade in Latvia.

The AFP news agency reports that the White House on Thursday said a European military mission taking shape in Greenland would not deter President Donald Trump from pursuing control of the autonomous, mineral-rich Danish territory.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen insisted meanwhile that "dialogue and diplomacy are the right way forward", hailing the fact that a dialogue was now "underway".

The developments came a day after a White House meeting failed to resolve "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland, which Trump insists Washington needs to ensure its security.

Two Danish troop transport planes landed in Greenland on Wednesday. Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have also announced the deployment of military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk, under Denmark's "Arctic Endurance" exercise organized with NATO allies.

The modest military reinforcements -- 13 soldiers from Germany, for example -- are meant to prepare armed forces for future exercises in the Arctic, according to European defense sources.

"A first team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and maritime assets," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Germany's defense ministry said the aim was to "explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region".

But the White House dismissed this saying it would not deflect plans to take control of the island.

"I don't think troops in Europe impact the president's decision-making process, nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing when asked about the deployment.