President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says will give the U.S. permanent control over security and other needs on the Arctic island.
In a post, Trump said the agreement would allow the United States to “FOREVER” have the ability to take whatever measures it considers necessary to secure and defend Greenland and the United States.
Trump said the agreement comes at “no cost” to the United States and would prevent U.S. adversaries from establishing bases or military presences in Greenland or making sensitive investments there without written approval from the United States.
He said the United States will immediately begin developing a larger military presence in Greenland and will work with Greenland on development and construction.
Trump said the agreement addresses longstanding U.S. concerns over Greenland’s strategic importance, particularly as Russia and China expand their presence and activity in the Arctic.
Denmark and Greenland said they expect to sign an agreement with the United States next week focused on strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
The three governments are expected to sign the agreement at the United Nations General Assembly, after which it would enter into force subject to the required national parliamentary procedures, according to statement.
Greenland government chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement would strengthen the security of Greenland, Denmark, the United States and the Western Alliance while recognizing Greenland’s interests and its role in international cooperation.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would strengthen common security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
The announcement follows months of tensions over Trump’s push for greater U.S. control of Greenland. Earlier this year, Trump said the island was important to U.S. national security and sought a framework for expanded American access.
The United States already operates Pituffik Space Base on the island under a longstanding defense agreement.
Trump did not provide details of the agreement beyond his announcement, and Denmark and Greenland had not publicly confirmed the deal as of Friday.