U.S., Denmark, Greenland ink Arctic security deal

Leaders from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a landmark security agreement aimed at bolstering defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic. President Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen formalized the pact. The accord updates a 1951 defense treaty, granting the United States expanded military access and what President Trump called "permanent control" over security interests in Greenland. Key provisions include U.S. ability to modernize and expand operations at Pituffik Space Base. The deal prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing military installations or maintaining a persistent military presence in Greenland without consent. It also tightens scrutiny on foreign investments from non-NATO and non-European Union members in sensitive sectors like critical infrastructure and resource extraction. Both Denmark and Greenland emphasized respect for Greenland's sovereignty and self-determination. Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen hailed it as a "bigger and better" agreement. The pact remains in force even if Greenland pursues full independence, stipulating an independent Greenland would remain part of NATO and assume its obligations. The agreement follows diplomatic tension after President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. Leaders hoped the deal would resolve friction and strengthen cooperation. Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen stated it focuses on the Greenlandic people's rights and development.