ISTANBUL

The Malaysian prime minister on Tuesday rejected any attempt to take over Greenland, saying such a move would violate national sovereignty, according to state-run media.

Speaking in the lower house of the Malaysian parliament, Anwar Ibrahim said that his country adopted one of its "firmest positions" on Greenland, as well as Venezuela, Bernama news agency reported.

He stressed that Kuala Lumpur rejects any attempt to seize another country and aligns with the EU and Denmark in prioritizing negotiations to resolve disputes.

"As a free and sovereign nation, we cannot agree with the conquest of any country. That is our position,” he noted.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington must acquire the Danish territory of Greenland for national security reasons and to deter rivals in the Arctic. He has also threatened tariffs on European allies who opposed US control of Greenland and sent a small number of troops to the territory.

Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposal to sell the territory.

On the Venezuela issue, Anwar said that he has taken a clear and resolute stance, guided by principle rather than power.

"Malaysia does not agree with such actions as they contravene international law, and we have urged the US to return President (Nicolas) Maduro and his wife to Venezuela. That is a clear and firm position,” he said.

On Jan. 3, the US conducted a military operation in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, resulting in the capture of President Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. They were then transferred to New York to face charges, including narco-terrorism. The Supreme Court of Venezuela then ruled to appoint Vice President Rodriguez as the acting president.