The German foreign minister, yesterday, Monday, downplayed the risk of a US attack on Greenland, following repeated threats by Donald Trump that the US means to “acquire” the vast autonomous region, part of the kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally of Washington.

“I do not indicate that this is being seriously considered” by the U.S. government, Johan Vandefull said when asked about a possible annexation by force of Greenland after a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio.

“I think there is probably a common interest in addressing the security issues that are raised in the Arctic region; we need to do it, and we will do it,” he added.

“NATO is now in the process of developing more solid plans on this issue, which will then be discussed (…) with our American partners,” he added.

The German foreign minister’s visit to Washington is being recorded ahead of a meeting Marco Rubio is expected to have later this week with Danish and Greenlandic officials.

Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday that Washington will acquire Greenland “one way or another, clarifying that he was not talking about a short-term “lease” of the vast island, but about annexing it.

The Republican sees Greenland as a means for the US to have its security guaranteed against China and Russia, while arguing that Denmark is neglecting Greenland and its defense.

Later yesterday, members of the US Congress said a delegation would travel to Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The delegation will meet with business leaders and politicians to discuss “strengthening security in the Arctic and establishing trade relations,” Democratic Senator Chris Koons noted.

“I believe it is essential that Congress be united in support of our allies and the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland,” added Republican Senator Tom Tillis.

Following the U.S. threats, NATO and Greenland said Monday they want to strengthen the region’s defenses.

The annexation of Greenland would mark “the end, the ‘death’ of the Atlantic alliance, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederixen warned earlier this month.

The huge Arctic island of 57,000 people has vast mineral resources, most of which have so far remained untapped, and its location is considered strategic. The US already has an established military base there — and managed about ten during the Cold War.