Prince Frederik & Sth Korean President Visit Greenland; September 9th-10th, 2012

[dazzling]

HRH Crown Prince accompanies President of the Republic of Korea visits to Greenland on 9-10th September 2012

Translated press release

[Muhler]

You may ask yourselves why the Korean President is visiting Greenland of all places.
As so often before, this is about money.

China has de facto monopoly on mining particular kinds of rare soil that are used as a key part in electronics, windmills and electric cars. It so happens these minerals also exist in Greenland.
EU (with Denmark) has signed an agreement ensuring that the mining of these minerals does not end up under the control of China, that should help lowering the prices on the world market.
China has indeed shown interest!
From an economic point of view that could mean money to Greenland. The surplus Greenland generates will be deducted from the money send from DK to Greenland.
When and if the surplus exceeds the amount Greenland recieve from DK, then there will be a new negotiation in regards as to how to split the money. With a population of 60.000, of which up to a fifth are Danes, the Greenlanders themselves are not enough with know how, talent and education to control what is going on. They simply risk being sidelined.

From a protocol view: Normally the Korean head of state would drop by to say hello to the Danish head of state, i.e. Queen Margrethe. But Greenland is autonomous (*) and this is a visit to Greenland. Greenlands head of state is also QMII, but she is far away, so she has sent a representative, Frederik.
Who is very popular in Greenland, and therefore a welcome representative from them as well, but he has also developed a personal friendship with the Korean President, so.....

(*) Foreign policy and security, i.e. police and military is under the control of DK.

[polyesco]

First article with photos

(2nd LD) S. Korea, Greenland agree to cooperate in green growth, resources development | YONHAP NEWS

and do my eyes decieve me or is Frederik wearing red pants

YONHAP NEWS

[Muhler]

He sure is. Thanks Polyesco.

Presumably to:
A) Scare off polar bears.
B) To better be seen should he somehow get lost on the ice.
or C) Because these pants have pockets large enough for Frederik to wear mittens while keeping his hands in his pockets.

I really, really have to struggle hard not to add a remark about the exact reason why Frederik is seen here with his hands in his pockets.

[stellad]

Muhler! Muhler! Muhler! Love it!

[Hannelore]

I just hope the digging up minerals doesn't end up in ecological dammage. It seems like every part of our beautiful earth has to be drilled to exhaustion for luxury, money and power. I'm sorry, I'm a big pessimist when it comes to these matters.

[polyesco]

another article and a picture of Frederik with his hands outside his pockets lol

Korea, Greenland to cooperate on green growth