NUUK, Greenland, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Greenland's political leaders on Friday expressed interest in deepening cooperation with China in areas such as trade, fisheries, and sustainable development while highlighting the potential for a free trade agreement between the two sides.
Vivian Motzfeldt, the incoming foreign minister of Greenland's new autonomous government, told Xinhua that strengthening ties with China will be one of her priorities.
"My trip to China in 2023 was memorable," she said, noting that China is one of Greenland's largest seafood markets. "China is very important to us, and we are eager to strengthen our cooperation."
Motzfeldt said her tasks include boosting exports, enhancing cooperation in the fisheries sector, and pursuing a free trade agreement with China.
Aqqalu Jerimiassen, chairman of the Atassut party and a member of the Greenlandic Parliament, shared similar views based on his visit to China in 2018.
"I've been to Beijing, Guangzhou and several other cities," he told Xinhua. "I was very impressed during my visit to China. I was particularly interested in how we can build good cooperation with Chinese enterprises and authorities."
On Friday, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government in Nuuk, the capital. At a ceremony held at the Katuaq Cultural Center, four political parties, representing 23 of the 31 seats in Greenland's parliament, signed a coalition agreement to establish the new autonomous government.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 when it became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1979, it gained home rule, expanding its autonomy, while Denmark retained control over foreign affairs and defense policy.
