In a move reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and its European allies, former US President Donald Trump declined an invitation from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to attend a G7 summit in Paris. This refusal underscored the deep divisions that characterized his presidency on issues such as trade, climate, and security, which frequently pitted Washington against the other members of the group.

Background of tension in the G7

The G7 is a forum comprising the world’s largest advanced economies (the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom), aiming to coordinate economic policies and address pressing global issues. However, the Trump presidency saw unprecedented tensions within the group, as his “America First” policy led to frequent clashes with traditional allies. Macron’s proposal for an additional meeting was an attempt to mend the rift and unify positions, but Trump’s rejection of the invitation demonstrated how difficult this goal would be given the existing disagreements.

Greenland: A strategic interest or a real estate deal?

Amid diplomatic tensions, Trump renewed his controversial interest in Greenland, the world's largest island and a Danish territory. He asserted that the United States and NATO would reach a mutually agreeable agreement on its future, emphasizing that he would not back down from his goal of controlling it. Trump added that the need for the island stemmed from "security purposes," and did not even rule out the possibility of seizing it by force, saying, "We're going to work on something that will make NATO very happy and that will make us very happy.".

The strategic importance of Greenland

Trump’s interest in Greenland raises questions about his motives, which extend beyond a mere real estate deal. The island occupies a crucial geostrategic position in the Arctic, a region whose importance is growing as ice melts, new shipping lanes open, and opportunities for vast natural resources emerge. Greenland also hosts Thule Air Base, a vital military facility for US early warning and missile defense systems. Direct control of the island would give Washington enormous strategic leverage in countering Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic, which explains Trump’s insistence on its security importance to the United States and NATO.

Regional and international repercussions

Trump’s remarks were met with a firm rejection from Denmark, which affirmed that Greenland is not for sale. This stance sparked a brief diplomatic crisis between the two NATO allies, highlighting Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy. Internationally, this event, along with the rejection of Macron’s invitation, reflects a shift in global dynamics, where traditional alliances are being severely tested and geopolitical competition is intensifying in previously relatively stable regions such as the Arctic.

In a move reflecting the depth of strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met yesterday (Tuesday) with his Egyptian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty. This important meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, hosted by Davos, Switzerland, a prominent global platform for discussing pressing economic and political issues.

Deep-rooted historical ties

This meeting is the latest in a long series of ongoing coordination and consultation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, which together form the cornerstone of the Arab national security system. Relations between the two countries are based on solid historical foundations of brotherhood and joint cooperation. Both nations share similar views on most regional and international issues and consistently strive to unify the Arab ranks and strengthen joint action to confront various challenges.

Key issues on the negotiating table

Although the official statement referred to discussions on “developments in the region and a number of issues of common interest,” the context of current regional events suggests that the talks delved deeply into several vital issues. Foremost among these was the Palestinian question and related developments, a central concern for both countries. The situations in Sudan, Yemen, Libya, and Syria were also believed to have been a key part of the discussions, given their direct impact on regional security and the two countries' commitment to supporting political solutions that preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these nations.

Regional and international impact

Saudi-Egyptian coordination is gaining added importance in light of rapidly changing international circumstances. This rapprochement not only serves the bilateral interests of both countries but also sends a clear message about the existence of an active Arab axis capable of influencing the course of events. The unification of visions between the largest Arab economy (Saudi Arabia) and the largest Arab demographic and military power (Egypt) contributes to strengthening stability in the Middle East region and gives the Arab voice greater weight in international forums, whether at the United Nations or other global organizations. This coordination is expected to have a positive impact on efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and enhance economic cooperation in a way that serves the aspirations of the region's peoples for development and prosperity.