The prime minister said that while Greenlanders do not want to become Americans, “the reality is we are going to work with the U.S. — yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

While Trump has cited “national security” reasons for wanting to acquire the island inhabited by about 56,000 people, there’s another big appeal that he’s been leaving out of his press conferences. Greenland is a treasure trove of minerals the U.S. needs to compete with China, and the island hasn’t been quick (enough) to fork them over.

Múte Egede, Greenland’s prime minister, said his country would pursue closer defense and business ties to U.S.