Kenneth Howery, co-founder of PayPal, became the new US ambassador to Denmark. He assumed the position at a time of tension in the relations between the USA and Denmark caused by the plans for Greenland.
Kenneth Howery, who is the co-founder of PayPal and a long-time friend of billionaire Elon Musk, assumed the position of US ambassador to Denmark on Wednesday. Reuters reported about it. Howery assumed the position at a time of ongoing tension in relations between the US and Denmark, which was caused by US President Donald Trump’s intention to gain control over semi-autonomous Greenland, TASR writes.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in buying or taking over Greenland from Denmark, saying he believes Greenland is crucial to US national security and that Denmark cannot keep the island.
Greenland is not for sale
This interest caused strong opposition in both Denmark and Greenland – both governments declared that the island was not for sale. However, both Denmark and Greenland are open to discussing the strengthening of the US military presence.
Howery, who previously served as the US ambassador to Sweden, presented his credentials to King Frederik X on Wednesday at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, along with new ambassadors from seven other countries.
Priorities of the new ambassador
In a brief exchange with reporters, Howery said his priorities would include strengthening defense cooperation and trade ties, and working with Denmark on security in the Arctic. He added that he is looking forward to meeting people and learning about cultures, as well as traveling “including the Faroe Islands and Greenland.”
Reuters recalled that the Danish Foreign Ministry summoned the then head of the US mission in August to ask him for an explanation in connection with a report by the secret services, according to which American citizens in Greenland carried out influence operations with the aim of provoking opposition to the Danish government.
