Greenland may become independent if its residents want, but is unlikely to become a U.S. state, Denmark's foreign minister said on Wednesday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out force to take control of the Arctic island.

Greenland’s prime minister has reiterated his call for independence from Denmark after Donald Trump suggested the US could acquire the Arctic territory.

Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in buying Greenland, threatening to levy tariffs on Denmark and not ruling out military force to acquire the island. Greenland is a self-ruling Arctic territory that is part of Denmark,

The Danish foreign minister expressed openness to working more closely with the U.S. to ensure its interests in the region are addressed after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants to buy the Danish territory of Greenland—but the foreign minister continued to cast doubt on Trump’s idea to acquire the island.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to get Denmark to hand over the mineral-rich and strategically important island.

Greenland’s future could be the kind of Compact of Free Association that America has with three Pacific Island states, Trump aides are telling reporters. Under these Compacts, the island nations get sovereignty, development assistance, and the right of residents to live and work in America. In return, Washington takes over defense.