US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had reached a framework of a deal that satisfies him on Greenland, as he backed down both on threats to seize the island by force from Denmark and on imposing tariffs against European allies.
Asked if the United States would gain sovereignty over the vast but sparsely populated island, Trump hesitated and then said, “It’s the ultimate long-term deal.”
Trump cast his retreat — also lifting the promise of sanctions against European nations that spoke out against the threats to Denmark — as a win, saying the deal gives Washington “everything we wanted“.
The agreement, he told reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, was negotiated with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and would last “forever”.
“I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security, and minerals and everything else,” Trump said, hours after a speech in which he appeared to remove the threat of force to seize Greenland.
NATO said its Secretary General Mark Rutte had held “very productive” talks with Trump on security in the Arctic region, after the US leader announced a framework for a deal over Greenland.
“Discussions among NATO Allies on the framework the president referenced will focus on ensuring Arctic security through the collective efforts of Allies, especially the seven Arctic Allies,” said NATO spokesperson Allison Hart.
“Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States will go forward aimed at ensuring that Russia and China never gain a foothold — economically or militarily — in Greenland,” she added.
Meanwhile, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, “The Kingdom of Denmark wishes to continue a constructive dialogue with its allies on ways to strengthen security in the Arctic, including the US Golden Dome, provided that this is done with respect for our territorial integrity.” (AFP)
