Trump, Denmark and Greenland Leaders Sign Security Deal

President Donald Trump and the leaders of Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement Tuesday that the White House called critical to U.S. defense in the Arctic.

The White House announced that Trump signed the agreement with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The signing took place during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Reuters reported.

The announcement called it a landmark deal but did not provide its terms.

Reuters reported that a text released after the ceremony allows the United States to establish a “Golden Dome” defense system in Greenland and expand its military presence there. The text amends a 1951 defense agreement, according to the report.

Reuters reported that military sites are expected to open at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. Trump said in a U.N. speech that the United States would build two major military bases.

Before signing, Trump said that the agreement would grant the United States permanent rights to Greenland’s security. He also added that U.S. adversaries would not be allowed to build any military bases, maintain military presence or make any sensitive investments in Greenland without the written permission of the United States.

Denmark and Greenland have emphasized that the agreement preserves sovereignty and self-determination. In an earlier joint statement, Frederiksen said it recognizes the Kingdom of Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.

Nielsen said the agreement recognizes Greenland’s interests and its place in international cooperation. He also emphasized NATO’s role in Arctic security following the signing, Reuters reported.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said the agreement would permanently address U.S. security concerns in Greenland and exclude adversaries from the area.

The Danish Prime Minister’s Office said before the ceremony that the agreement would enter into force only after the necessary national parliamentary procedures. The White House’s signing announcement did not address those remaining steps.