BRUSSELS, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- European Union leaders welcomed US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw threats of imposing tariffs on European countries over the Greenland issue, describing the move as "positive".
European Council President Antonio Costa said after the EU summit in Brussels that the EU and the United States are longstanding partners and allies bound by shared values and mutual interests in prosperity and security.
He stressed that relations between allies must be conducted in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, noting that both sides share common interests in Arctic security, particularly through NATO, with the EU seeking a stronger role in the region.
Costa affirmed the EU's full support for the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, stressing that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide on matters concerning them, in line with international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On trade, Costa said Washington's decision not to impose new tariffs represents a positive development, adding that such measures would have conflicted with the EU-US trade agreement concluded last summer.
He said the priority now is full implementation of the agreement to ensure stable and sustainable trade relations.
Costa stressed that the EU will continue to defend its interests, member states and companies against any form of coercion, while remaining open to constructive dialogue with the United States.
He added that the EU is ready to cooperate with Washington on shared issues, including efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, while noting reservations regarding elements of the proposed Peace Council. (end) arn.aai