US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in “purchasing Greenland”, asking his advisers to buy the world's largest island to expand the US' territory, reports said.
Greenland, a self-governing region colonised by Denmark in the 18th century, is home to nearly 57,000 people, most of whom belong to the indegenous Inuit community. The island is mostly covered, about 85 per cent, by thick ice sheet that has 10 per cent of the world's fresh water.
Some of Trump's advisers have laughed off the idea as a joke while others have taken it seriously, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. A few termed it as a “fleeting fascination” from the president and others said that acquiring Greenland could be good for the US.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland could be to secure a legacy achievement, with advisers wondering about the potential for research or greater military clout.
The US's northern-most military base, Thule Air Base, is located on Greenland.
Trump is expected to make his first visit to Denmark in September, but there has been no indication that talks regarding purchasing Greenland will be on the agenda.
Former president Harry Truman had offered to buy Greenland in 1946 for USD 100 million.
(With inputs from agencies)