New Security Agreement Signed Between the USA, Denmark and Greenland

The United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security agreement aimed at reducing months-long tensions following US President Donald Trump's statements to assert control over Greenland.

The agreement, signed on September 22 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, expands the 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark on the defense of Greenland. The new regulation aims to strengthen military cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.

Within the scope of the agreement, the USA is given the right to establish two new military facilities in Greenland.

One of them will be built in Narsarsuaq in the south of the island, and the other in Mestersvig on the east coast. The United States will also be able to expand the Pituffik Cosmodrome, the only existing active American military facility in Greenland.

US aircraft and ships will also have broad access rights to flight, landing and undersea activities throughout Greenland, including its territorial waters.

The agreement does not include any timetable for the number of US troops that can be deployed to Greenland or when the new bases will become operational.

NATO'S PRESENCE IN THE ARCTIC WILL INCREASE

The agreement also supports strengthening NATO's military presence in the Arctic region. Denmark, on the other hand, is committed to increasing its own defense capacity in the region.

If Greenland declares its independence in the future, it is envisaged that its NATO membership will continue. Denmark and Greenland are expected to secure this process in case the new state needs to re-apply for membership.

Countries that are not NATO members will not be allowed to maintain a permanent military presence in Greenland.

The agreement specifically states that the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination is protected.

It is stated that the USA should respect the local society and the way of life of the Greenlandic people while carrying out its activities in Greenland.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also stated that the agreement recognizes the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that the agreement respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.

MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE AGREEMENT

There is no specific regulation in the agreement regarding possible US investments in Greenland's mines and natural resources sector.

On the other hand, there are restrictions on foreign investments in strategic sectors.

NATO member states, NATO partners or investors outside the European Union will not be allowed to exercise control or significant influence in sensitive sectors in Greenland.

To implement these rules, foreign investments will be supervised by the Greenland administration.

DURATION OF THE AGREEMENT IS NOT LIMITED

In order for the agreement to come into force, the necessary parliamentary processes in Denmark and Greenland must be completed.

There is no expiration date in the agreement. In order to make changes to the text, the parties must reach mutual agreement.

The new regulation draws attention in terms of expanding the US military presence in Greenland and bringing Arctic security more strongly into the NATO framework.