The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached a security agreement that will expand the US military presence in Greenland after months of tensions over President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the territory.
Trump said the agreement gives the US “permanent control” over Greenland’s security and allows Washington to take measures it considers necessary to protect the territory and American interests.
The deal reportedly provides the US with permanent access, basing and overflight rights, while restricting adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland. Reuters reported that the agreement would also remain in effect if Greenland becomes independent in the future. However, the full text of the agreement has not been released, leaving some details of the arrangement unclear.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that the agreement would be signed during the United Nations General Assembly next week. She said it would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. Including Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
Greenland’s government leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, also welcomed the agreement, saying it would strengthen the security of Greenland, Denmark and the US.
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Agreement after US Pressure
The agreement follows months of pressure from Trump, who had repeatedly said Greenland was important to US national security because of its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources. He had also threatened military action to take control of the Danish territory.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a historic deal that addresses Washington’s long-term security concerns in Greenland. The US already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland. A 1951 agreement between Washington and Copenhagen also gives the US extensive military access to the territory. Reuters reported that the new arrangement would expand those existing rights.
Greenland has significant deposits of rare earth minerals and occupies a strategically important position between North America and Europe. This makes it increasingly important to Arctic security and competition among major powers.