US President Donald Trump is set to meet Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Tuesday to sign a security agreement aimed at easing tensions over Greenland.
The agreement is expected to allow the United States to expand its military presence on the strategically located Arctic island. In addition to the existing Pituffik Space Base, the US is expected to establish military sites at Narsarsuaq, a former Cold War airbase, and Mestersvig, currently used by Denmark’s Sirius Dog Sled Patrol.
The deal follows months of tension after Trump repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and declined to rule out using military or economic pressure to achieve greater US control. His position triggered a diplomatic crisis within NATO and led to negotiations with Denmark and Greenland.
Danish officials say the agreement will place Arctic security under NATO’s collective responsibility while respecting Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination. Trump, however, has said the deal gives the US permanent control over Greenland’s security.
The full text of the agreement has not been released, leaving questions over whether it will amend the existing 1951 defence treaty or create a new framework.
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