“It is time for us to take action ourselves and shape our future, and decide who we will work closely with and who will be our trading partners,” Greenland leader Egede said.

"History and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with Denmark has not yet created complete equality. It is time for our country to take the next step. Like other countries in the world, we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation that we can describe as the shackles of colonialism and move forward," Mr. Egede stressed.

Mr Egede added that the decision on independence was up to the people of Greenland, but did not say when the vote might be held. According to Reuters, the majority of Greenland’s 57,000 residents support full separation from Denmark, but remain divided over the timing and the potential impact on the economy.

Mr. Egede's speech came after comments by US President-elect Donald Trump about wanting to "own and control" Greenland. The Greenland government has rejected Mr. Trump's offer to buy the island twice, according to Reuters.

"Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and never will be. We cannot afford to lose the long struggle for freedom," Greenland's government leader Egede affirmed.

In 2009, Greenland gained greater autonomy but remained dependent on Denmark in many aspects such as defense and foreign affairs.