COPENHAGEN
Denmark and Greenland said on Saturday that a new security agreement with the United States would not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty, after US President Donald Trump described the arrangement as giving Washington “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland announced the agreement, saying it would allow Washington to develop a significant military presence on Greenland while preventing US adversaries from establishing bases or making sensitive investments on the strategically important island. However, the full terms of the agreement have not been made public.
That has left uncertainty over the size of any expanded US military presence and whether Washington would receive additional influence over Greenland’s foreign policy or natural resources. The agreement is expected to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly next week and would then require the necessary parliamentary procedures.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the agreement could end months of uncertainty and strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while respecting Denmark’s stated red lines.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognised the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Danish Kingdom and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
Trump, however, said the United States would have permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. He also said US adversaries would not be allowed to establish military or make sensitive investments without Washington’s approval.
The agreement follows months of diplomatic tension after Trump repeatedly threatened to seek control of Greenland. NATO has welcomed the deal as a step toward greater security and cooperation in the Arctic.