Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen
The statement came after US president Donald Trump said the pact would give Washington “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security. Denmark and Greenland on Saturday confirmed that a planned security agreement with the United States will not compromise the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark or Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
“I am pleased on Greenland’s behalf that we are nearing the conclusion of an agreement – an agreement that benefits not only our collective security but also the continued development of this country,” Nielsen said. The agreement would allow the United States to develop a significant military presence on Greenland while preventing US adversaries from establishing bases on the island. However, key details, including the scale of the proposed US military presence and whether Washington would receive any formal authority over foreign policy or resources, remain unclear. Greenland prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the planned accord. Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen also backed the agreement, saying it would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
It will take effect after the necessary national parliamentary procedures are completed, according to the Danish government. Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, “Next week could be a good week – for Greenland, Denmark, and the United States.” The United States, Denmark and Greenland are expected to sign the agreement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.