Greenland’s prime minister stated on Tuesday that “we choose Denmark” if the territory had to pick between remaining a Danish territory or joining the United States, according to a report.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen made this comment while appearing alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during a joint press conference in Copenhagen, according

“We are facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark right now, then we choose Denmark,” Nielsen was quoted as saying. “We stand united within the Kingdom of Denmark.”

The remark comes as Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to meet with the Secretary of State and Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

“Our reason for seeking this meeting—for which we’ve now been granted access—was to move this entire discussion, which has not become less tense since our last encounter, into a room where we can look each other in the eye and talk about these issues,” Rasmussen explained.

A source with knowledge of the matter confirmed that Rasmussen will be visiting the White House.

The U.S. President said on Sunday that the country must acquire Greenland—not lease it—arguing that the Arctic territory lacks adequate defenses and warning that Russia or China would move in if Washington fails to act, a step he called critical to U.S. and NATO security.

While speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump was asked about Greenland and whether the U.S. had made an offer to acquire the territory from Denmark.

“I haven’t done that. Greenland should agree to the deal because it doesn’t want to see Russia or China take over,” he said. “Basically, their defense is two dog sleds. You know that? Do you know what their defense consists of? Two dog sleds.”

The president also made it clear that his administration is not discussing a short-term lease of Greenland, but only the acquisition of the Danish territory.

“If we don’t do it, Russia or China will—and that’s not going to happen during my presidency,” Trump said.

Patrick Ward and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.