US, Denmark, Greenland sign defense pact

The agreement amends and supplements defense arrangements to facilitate measures necessary to defend the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland and the American continent, while respecting Greenlandic interests.

The Parties support a stronger NATO engagement in the Arctic, including planning, presence, exercises and joint intelligence gathering.

The document notes changing security challenges in the Arctic posed by adversaries’ increased military activity and growing strategic interest in the region.

The Parties share an interest in allowing the United States military access to Greenland to defend the North Atlantic Treaty area, Greenland and the American continent.

The agreement reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and recognizes the People of Greenland as a people with the right to self-determination.

It also recognizes the United States’ historical and ongoing contributions to the security and defense of Greenland, including billions of dollars spent over the better part of a century.

The common goal is to maximize benefits to the People of Greenland from the Defense Areas.