President Donald Trump said the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland about security matters related to Greenland. He announced the agreement Friday in a post on Truth Social. Trump said that the US would begin developing a large military presence on the island. He also mentioned working with Greenlanders on development and construction projects there.
Trump said the agreement gives the United States what he called permanent control over security and other security-related needs in Greenland. Denmark and Greenland confirmed that an agreement had been reached but emphasized that Greenland will remain under Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by saying the proposed agreement would respect Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also emphasized the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination under the deal.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen added that the agreement would acknowledge Greenland’s interests. This comes after Trump previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and repeatedly argued that the island is important to U.S. national security.
Trump had previously refused to rule out the use of force to obtain Greenland. Denmark and Greenland repeatedly rejected the idea of selling or transferring the island to the United States. The dispute created tensions between Washington and European members of NATO.
The details of the current agreement have not been fully disclosed. However, officials say the deal does not involve a transfer of sovereignty to the United States.
The agreement is expected to expand the American military presence in Greenland. The United States already operates Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland under a defense agreement dating back to 1951.
A State Department official told the Associated Press that the new agreement would prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland. It would also restrict certain investments by countries considered potential adversaries. China and Russia would not be permitted to establish military bases on the island under the arrangement.
The deal is expected to give the United States permanent military access and expanded overflight rights. Those provisions could allow the U.S. military to increase the number of installations or personnel operating in Greenland.
Frederiksen said the agreement strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognizing the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark. Nielsen said the agreement benefits Greenland, Denmark and the United States.
The three governments are expected to sign the agreement next week during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The deal will still require parliamentary action in Denmark and Greenland before it can be enforced.
Greenland has become increasingly important because of its location between North America and Europe. The island is also close to Arctic shipping routes and contains significant mineral resources.
Trump has argued that a larger American presence is necessary to prevent Russia and China from gaining influence in the region. U.S. officials have also pointed to Greenland’s importance for missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance.
The agreement could settle one of the most difficult disputes between the United States and Denmark during Trump’s second term. It allows Washington to expand its security role without transferring ownership of Greenland.
Further details are expected when the agreement is formally signed.
IMAGE: Trump promised to bring sweeping political change, to create wealth, and to make America safe again in a speech that excited delegates on the fourth and final day of the convention. (A. Shaker/VOA). Photo: Ali Shaker/VOA / Wikimedia, taken 2016-07-21, Public domain