United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels, reaffirming the "strong relationship" between the United States and Denmark, the State Department announced on Thursday.

The two officials discussed a broad range of shared priorities, according to the statement. Chief among them were increased NATO defense spending and burden sharing, as well as collective strategies to counter threats facing the Alliance—particularly those posed by Russia and China.

The meeting also covered ongoing coordination aimed at enhancing security and stability across Europe and securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, a top priority for both Washington and Copenhagen amid the continuing conflict in the region.

Notably absent from the statement was any reference to Greenland, a territory of Denmark that has recently drawn international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in annexing Greenland, a stance that has stirred political friction. In parallel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the island, further emphasizing its strategic importance.

Despite the high-profile U.S. engagement, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has publicly opposed any annexation attempts, reiterating the island’s commitment to Danish sovereignty. His remarks come amid growing concerns over foreign influence in the Arctic and signal firm resistance to external pressure.

While official discussions in Brussels focused on transatlantic unity and NATO’s future strategy, the unresolved status of Greenland remains a sensitive issue lurking in the diplomatic background. The omission may indicate a desire by both Washington and Copenhagen to avoid fueling tensions during the summit.

The meeting between Rubio and Rasmussen highlights the enduring strength of U.S.-Danish cooperation, particularly within the NATO framework, even as complex geopolitical issues like Greenland’s future continue to shape regional dynamics.