President Donald Trump has said that he has a deal with Denmark to bolster the US military presence in Greenland after months of threatening to take island by force from the NATO ally.
Copenhagen and Nuuk both confirmed the deal on Friday, saying it will be signed next week by officials of Greenland, Denmark, and the US on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.
Trump in social media post announcing the deal said the agreement "gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many US concerns."
He added that with the agreement his administration would "immediately" begin the process of developing a larger military presence on the mineral-rich Danish territory.
"From now on, no US adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval."
Greenland and Denmark hail deal
The deal due to be signed by Denmark and Greenland with the US giving Washington control over the autonomous Danish territory's security is "good for NATO and Europe," Denmark's prime minister said.
Mette Frederiksen said the deal "strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area," adding that it was expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week.
"It is gratifying that we are about to enter into an agreement that ensures and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States and the Western alliance," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the head of Greenland's government.
A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss specific terms, said the deal prohibits non-NATO countries from building a base in Greenland, and will allow only the US and its allies to make unspecified "sensitive investments."
The official said the agreement grants the US permanent access, basing and overflight rights, and would continue to apply even if Greenland becomes independent.
