The US could be allowed to step up its military presence in Greenland, the prime minister of Denmark has said.

Mette Frederiksen made the comment as she reiterated that the world’s largest island was not for sale.

Denmark is hoping to defuse an escalating crisis triggered by Donald Trump’s desire to buy the Danish-governed landmass on national security grounds.

The US president has refused to rule out military or economic coercion to seize control of the island.

Speaking before an EU meeting in Brussels, Ms Frederiksen said: “I totally agree with the Americans that the High North, the Arctic region, is becoming more and more important when we are talking about defence and security and deterrence.

“And it is possible to find a way to ensure stronger footprints in Greenland,” she added, before repeating that the resource-rich territory was part of Denmark and “not for sale”.