Trump announces Greenland security deal with Denmark

US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that would significantly expand the US military presence on the Arctic island while leaving Greenland under Danish sovereignty.

Trump said the agreement gives the United States “permanent control” over security and other security-related needs in Greenland. He also said Washington would begin developing a larger US military presence on the island.

Under the agreement, US adversaries would be barred from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval, according to details reported by Reuters. The United States already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland under a 1951 defence treaty.

Denmark and Greenland said the agreement does not affect Greenland’s sovereignty or its people’s right to self-determination. The full text of the agreement has not yet been made public.

The deal is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week and will require parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland.

The agreement follows months of tensions after Trump repeatedly called for the United States to acquire Greenland and had refused to rule out using force to take control of the territory.

- MaT