OSLO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Greenland on Wednesday for a three-day visit aimed at reinforcing ties between the Danish government and the Arctic island, as Greenland undergoes a political transition following recent elections.

Frederiksen landed in the Greenlandic capital Nuuk at about 2 p.m. local time (1500 GMT). Later in the day, she is scheduled to meet with outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede and his successor, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

The visit, which runs from April 2 to 4, comes shortly after U.S. Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation, on last Friday, visited Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland -- formerly known as Thule Base -- where Vance criticized Denmark for not doing enough for security in the Arctic or for the well-being of the Greenlandic people.

Just hours ahead of the visit by Vance, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government. Four political parties, representing 23 of the 31 seats in Greenland's parliament, signed a coalition agreement to establish the new government. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Demokraatit (Democratic Party), will serve as prime minister.

"I look forward to continuing the close and trusting cooperation between Greenland and Denmark together with Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the rest of the Naalakkersuisut (Government of Greenland)," Frederiksen said ahead of the visit in a press release.

"Greenland has just completed a healthy democratic process and formed a broad government. It is important for me to visit as soon as possible and greet the incoming leader," she added.

Frederiksen also expressed her respect for how Greenlandic politicians and the public have handled increasing international attention and pressure on the region. "This is a situation that calls for unity across political parties and across the countries of the Kingdom of Denmark. And for cooperation conducted with mutual respect and equality," she said.

Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. Enditem

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