Greenland, Denmark leaders say US security accord preserves sovereignty

Trump says deal grants US ‘complete ability’ to defend the Arctic island

Greenlandic and Danish leaders said Saturday that a newly unveiled security agreement with the United States does not change Greenland’s status as a sovereign Danish territory. The statement came a day after President Donald Trump said the United States and Denmark had reached an agreement for “permanent control over security” of the Arctic island.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a statement posted on Facebook: “I am happy on Greenland’s behalf that we are nearing an agreement — an agreement that benefits not only our shared security, but also the continued development of our country.” He added: “The agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Kingdom and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in a statement on Facebook that “next week could be a good week for both Greenland, Denmark and the USA.” Rasmussen described the expected agreement as “a binding agreement that strengthens security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic and thus also our common security in NATO and Europe — with respect for the Kingdom’s red lines.” He added: “It is important at a time when the security policy situation in the Arctic has also changed.”

In a statement on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said: “At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America.” Trump added that “from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.”

Trump characterized the agreement as “completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns.”

The United States already maintains a military presence on the island and operates under a separate agreement that allows for the expansion of its bases there.

Trump has for years expressed a desire to annex Greenland, claiming the United States needs it “for defense.”

The agreement is expected to be signed next week at the United Nations General Assembly.