United States President Donald Trump has signed a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening defence cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic, while allowing the United States to expand its military presence in Greenland.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Trump joined by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The deal follows months of negotiations over Arctic security and the future of the US military presence on the strategically important island.
Under the agreement, the United States will be able to expand its military infrastructure in Greenland. The existing Pituffik Space Base can be expanded, while two new military bases are planned at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and Mestersvig on the east coast. The agreement also prevents non-NATO countries from maintaining a military presence in Greenland.
Speaking about the agreement, Trump said the United States would move quickly to increase its military presence on the island.
“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate locations. We will be building two very major military bases,” Trump said.
He also described the agreement as “tremendous for Europe and for the United States and for everybody,” adding that it would be “incredible” for Greenland.
The agreement comes after Trump repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Greenland under US control, citing American national security concerns and the island’s strategic position in the Arctic. His earlier comments created tensions with Denmark, a NATO ally, and prompted negotiations aimed at addressing Washington’s security concerns.
Greenland remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The agreement does not transfer Greenland to the United States. Instead, it provides for an expanded US military presence while recognising Greenland’s right to self-determination.
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The agreement also strengthens the role of NATO in Arctic security and establishes restrictions intended to prevent countries outside the alliance from gaining a military foothold in Greenland.
The signing marks a significant development in the security relationship between the United States, Denmark and Greenland. It comes as the Arctic becomes increasingly important to international security because of its strategic location and growing competition among major powers.
The agreement provides a new framework for US military cooperation in Greenland while maintaining the territory’s relationship with Denmark and recognizing the Greenlandic people’s right to determine their future.
