United States to Open Two Military Bases in Greenland Under New Denmark Agreement

The United States is set to open two military installations in Greenland following a deal with Denmark and Greenland that is expected to be signed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The agreement, whose text has not yet been released, will re-establish a former Cold War base at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and create a new facility at Mestersvig on the island’s east coast.

Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said the pact “recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.” He described the signing as “a significant moment following a difficult period.” Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen added that the deal should strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security while respecting Denmark’s red lines.

A U.S. Department of State official told the BBC that the arrangement will give Washington a veto over non-NATO states seeking to establish a military presence or make “sensitive investments” in Greenland. NATO officials said the agreement would help advance security, stability and cooperation in the region.

Russia’s Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was not involved in the discussions and that Arctic cooperation was not currently on the agenda. China has not commented on the development.