New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Friday announced an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he said would give Washington permanent control over
security-related requirements on the strategically important Arctic island.
The agreement allows the US to act to protect American and Greenlandic security. It also seeks to prevent US adversaries from establishing military bases, deploying forces or making sensitive investments on the island without written approval from Washington. However, Greenland’s sovereignty will remain with the Kingdom of Denmark.
“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many US concerns,” Trump said.
“There will be no cost to the United States!” he added.
US Role Expanded
Trump said Washington would always have the power to take necessary security measures in Greenland. He also announced plans to establish a larger American military presence on the island.
“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many,” Trump said, adding, “We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.”
Trump called it an “Infinite Life” agreement with no end date. He said previous US presidents had recognised Greenland’s strategic importance but failed to resolve the issue.
Sovereignty Remains Intact
Denmark and Greenland said they expected to sign the agreement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the proposed agreement as “good for NATO and Europe”. She said it “strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area”.
Frederiksen also said “the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Greenland and Denmark and protects both peoples’ right “to self-determination.”
Strategic Arctic Island
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It became the centre of a diplomatic dispute after Trump repeatedly demanded US control of the island. Denmark and Greenland had previously rejected such demands.
Trump cited national security concerns and increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic as reasons for seeking a wider American role.
The US already operates Pituffik Space Base in Greenland under its defence arrangements with Denmark. The latest agreement would significantly expand Washington’s stated security and military authority on the island.
