The agreement follows months of tensions between Washington and Copenhagen after US President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and declined earlier this year to rule out using force.

Trump announced the agreement on Friday, saying it would give the United States what he described as permanent authority to address its security needs in Greenland.

Denmark and Greenland, however, have stressed that the agreement does not give Washington sovereignty over the island.

Greenland Remains Under Danish Sovereignty

The office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the emerging agreement recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland, as well as Greenlanders' right to self-determination.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognises Greenland's interests while strengthening international security cooperation.

The deal is expected to be formally signed by the United States, Denmark and Greenland during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

It will still require parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland before taking effect.

Bigger US Military Presence

Under the emerging agreement, Washington is expected to substantially increase its military presence on the Arctic island.

The United States already operates Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a strategically important installation used for missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance.

The US has maintained military rights in Greenland under a defence agreement dating back to 1951.

However, the new agreement could further strengthen American access and military operations on the island.

According to a US State Department official cited by international media, the agreement would prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland and restrict sensitive investments by potential adversaries.

The measures are particularly aimed at preventing Russia and China from developing a strategic foothold on the island.

Trump Calls Security Arrangement Permanent

Trump has presented the agreement as securing long-term US strategic interests in Greenland.

He said Washington would begin developing a larger military presence and claimed the United States would have permanent ability to act in defence of both Greenland and American security interests.

However, the precise extent of those powers remains unclear because the full text of the agreement has not yet been publicly released.

Denmark and Greenland have separately emphasised that their sovereignty and territorial rights remain intact.

Why Greenland Matters

Greenland has become increasingly important in the geopolitical competition over the Arctic.

The vast island lies between North America and Europe and occupies a strategically important position along potential missile, aircraft and maritime routes between Russia and the United States.

Greenland is also rich in minerals considered increasingly important for advanced technology, energy and defence industries.

Climate change and melting Arctic ice have further increased international interest in new shipping routes and access to natural resources across the region.

NATO Welcomes Agreement

The agreement could also ease months of tension within NATO caused by Trump's previous statements about taking control of Greenland.

The chairman of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, welcomed the emerging agreement, saying it would contribute to security and stability in the Arctic region.

Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he hoped the agreement would replace months of uncertainty with a binding framework strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

For Greenland, the central issue remains unchanged: greater security cooperation with Washington without surrendering control of the island.

The final details of the agreement are expected to become clearer when the three governments formally sign it during the UN General Assembly.

Waagacusub.net