The United States and Denmark have reached an agreement aimed at strengthening security in Greenland, following months of diplomatic tension over President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the Arctic territory.
Trump said the agreement would give the United States “permanent control over security” and other security-related needs in Greenland.
However, Denmark has not publicly confirmed all the details Trump described.
Deal to Strengthen Arctic Security
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
She also stressed that it recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as the right of Greenland’s people to self-determination.
Frederiksen said the agreement is expected to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly next week.
The deal will still require approval through the necessary parliamentary procedures before it can take effect.
Greenland Government Chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen also welcomed the agreement.
He said it would strengthen the security of Greenland, Denmark and the United States while recognising Greenland’s interests and its role in international cooperation.
Trump Says US Will Have Greater Security Powers
Trump said on Truth Social that the agreement would come at “no cost to the United States.”
He said Washington would have the ability to take necessary measures to secure and defend Greenland.
According to Trump, the agreement would also prevent US adversaries from maintaining military forces in Greenland or making sensitive investments without American approval.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a “historic deal” and a major achievement for the United States.
Rubio said it would address Washington’s national security concerns regarding Greenland.
Details of Agreement Remain Unclear
The full text of the agreement has not been released publicly.
An unnamed US State Department official, however, provided some details.
The official said the agreement would remain valid even if Greenland became independent in the future.
The United States would also have unilateral authority to construct additional military facilities without requiring approval from Greenland or Denmark, according to the official.
The deal would reportedly provide the US with permanent access, basing and overflight rights.
It would also prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland and restrict investments by countries considered security threats.
The official specifically mentioned Russia and China as countries that would be prevented from deploying troops or making investments in sensitive sectors.
Greenland’s Strategic Importance
Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as strategically important because of its location and mineral resources.
His earlier calls for the United States to purchase or take control of the territory triggered strong reactions in Denmark and other NATO countries.
The latest agreement comes against that backdrop of prolonged diplomatic tension.
The United States already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland, where more than 100 US personnel are permanently stationed.
It remains unclear how the new agreement would differ from the 1951 US-Danish defence arrangement, which already gives Washington broad military access to Greenland.
