Denmark, Greenland and US Set to Sign Arctic Security Agreement

Greenland, Denmark and the United States are expected to sign a new agreement next week aimed at strengthening security cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic, according to the Danish Prime Minister’s Office.

The agreement is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It will not take effect immediately, however, as it must first go through the necessary parliamentary procedures in the countries concerned, the Danish government said on September 18.

The announcement comes as Arctic security has become a growing focus for Denmark, its European allies and NATO. A joint statement by Denmark and several European governments earlier this year described the Arctic as a key area for European and transatlantic security, while a European Arctic summit this month called for stronger collective efforts in the region.

Greenland’s government said the planned agreement would strengthen security for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States and the wider Western alliance.

"It is encouraging that we are about to make an agreement that will ensure and strengthen the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States, and the Western Alliance," Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut, said.

He added that the agreement recognises Greenland’s interests and its role in international cooperation.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would strengthen shared security in the Arctic and North Atlantic and would therefore also have implications for NATO and Europe.

She said the agreement would recognise "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination."

The Danish government has not disclosed further details of the agreement ahead of the planned signing.

The announcement follows a series of efforts by Denmark, Greenland and European partners to deepen security and political cooperation around Greenland as strategic attention on the Arctic increases. Earlier this month, Greenland, Denmark and the European Union also adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening their partnership, including cooperation on security, infrastructure, connectivity and civil preparedness.

Source: FSX Business News