Donald Trump has announced a deal giving the United States permanent access to Greenland for security and other purposes, in an agreement backed by Denmark and the Greenlandic government.
The arrangement does not appear to amount to an American takeover of the Danish-controlled Arctic island, an idea previously supported by the US president. Details remain limited, but the agreement is expected to secure long-term US military access and overflight rights.
A US State Department official said the deal could allow Washington to increase the number of military bases in Greenland. It would also prevent non-Nato countries from establishing military bases there and restrict sensitive investments by American adversaries.
The agreement is intended to remain in force permanently, including if Greenland becomes fully independent, the official said.
Mr Trump said the US would begin developing a larger military presence in a suitable part of Greenland. “We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction,” he said.
The island has hosted a US base on its western coast since the 1950s. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a “huge win”, saying it would keep Greenland within North America’s strategic defence area and exclude adversaries from the island and surrounding region.
“This deal permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland,” Mr Rubio said.
The agreement is due to be signed next week by the US, Denmark and Greenland, according to the office of Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen. It will also require the necessary parliamentary procedures in Denmark.
Ms Frederiksen said the proposed deal would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, benefiting Nato and Europe, while recognising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, called the agreement “gratifying”, saying it recognised the island’s interests and its place in international cooperation.
