The USA and Denmark have reached a proposed security agreement covering Greenland and the wider Arctic region.

The two countries expect to sign the agreement next week during the United Nations General Assembly. Denmark and Greenland have welcomed the deal, but neither side has released the full text.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement would give the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security and other security needs. He also said the deal would prevent US adversaries from maintaining military forces or making certain investments in Greenland without US approval.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would strengthen security while recognizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. She also said it recognizes Greenland’s right to self-determination.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognizes Greenland’s interests and its role in international cooperation.

Details of the Deal

The agreement still needs parliamentary approval before it can take effect.

A US State Department official outlined several provisions without releasing the full document. The proposed deal would give the USA permanent access, basing and overflight rights in Greenland.

The USA would also gain the ability to build additional military structures without approval from Greenland or Denmark, according to the official.

The agreement would prevent non-NATO countries from building military bases or deploying troops in Greenland. It would also restrict certain investments in sensitive sectors.

However, Denmark and Greenland have not released the full agreement. As a result, the exact differences between the proposed arrangements and existing US military rights remain unclear.

A 1951 agreement with Denmark already gives the United States broad military access to Greenland. More than 100 US military personnel currently serve at the Pituffik base in northwestern Greenland.

The proposed deal follows months of tension after Trump called for greater US control over Greenland. He previously discussed purchasing or annexing the semi-autonomous territory.

Denmark and Greenland have maintained their sovereignty over the territory.

NATO welcomed the agreement, saying it could support greater security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The final terms will become clearer once the countries sign and release the agreement. Until then, Danish and Greenlandic officials have stressed the importance of sovereignty and self-determination.