Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (pictured) addressed United States President-elect Donald Trump's bid for Greenland to join as the 51st state on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after discussions with the Danish king, the minister acknowledged Copenhagen's recognition of the autonomous territory's ambitions, confirming that "if they materialize, Greenland will become independent, though it is unlikely to aspire to become a federal state within the United States."

The statement comes after Trump hinted at the possibility of military coercion regarding the island's decision, prompting warnings that the European Union would not tolerate any attack on its borders.