The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security agreement aimed at strengthening military cooperation and the US defence presence in the Arctic.
US President Donald Trump signed the agreement with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22.
The agreement allows the United States to expand its military presence in Greenland, including plans for a missile-defence system known as “Golden Dome” and new military facilities.
Under the arrangement, the US is expected to establish a military presence at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and Mestersvig on the island’s east coast. The agreement also provides for upgrades to the existing Pituffik Space Base.
Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The agreement does not transfer sovereignty over the territory to the United States.
The deal follows months of diplomatic tension after Trump repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, prompting opposition from Denmark and Greenlandic leaders.
The three governments have instead reached an arrangement focused on Arctic and North Atlantic security, with Russia and China cited as strategic concerns in the increasingly contested region.
The agreement also provides that its security arrangements would remain in place if Greenland eventually becomes independent, provided it remains within NATO.