Greenland and Denmark Relieved by US Security Pact, Calling It a "Win-Win-Win for Everyone"

Following the conclusion of a trilateral security pact between the United States, Greenland, and Denmark aimed at strengthening the U.S. military presence in Greenland, the parties involved have expressed a sense of relief, putting their previous anxieties behind them.

According to AP and Reuters, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed the agreement alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the 22nd (local time) at the UN Headquarters in New York during the UN General Assembly. He described it as a "win-win-win agreement that benefits everyone," adding, "Your security is our security, and our security is your security."

Back in January—when transatlantic tensions reached a fever pitch following President Trump's threatening remarks that he would not rule out using force to annex Greenland—Prime Minister Nielsen repeatedly emphasized a strong commitment to defending sovereignty, declaring that "Greenland is not for sale."

However, on this day, he made no effort to hide his lightened mood, stating, "Now we can take the weight off our shoulders."

For Greenland and Denmark, who had felt continuous anxiety over President Trump's persistent expressions of desire to acquire Greenland since the start of his second term, the establishment of a formal framework like the security pact means they can put conflict and tension behind them and gain a tool to manage their mutual relationship more stably.

Prime Minister Frederiksen, who had previously taken a firm stance when President Trump openly voiced his annexation ambitions toward the Danish autonomous territory, warning that "if the U.S. takes over Greenland, it would mean the end of the transatlantic alliance," also wore a relieved expression on this day, saying, "The Kingdom of Denmark is in a better place today than it was yesterday."

She also praised the agreement as one that "can last forever," positively evaluating it as a good deal for the United States, Greenland, Denmark, and all allies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Concluding her press conference, she even remarked, "I think I need to go have a cold beer now."

However, regarding the inclusion of defense through President Trump's proposed missile defense system, the "Golden Dome," Prime Minister Frederiksen explained that "nothing has been decided yet regarding the final form of the 'Golden Dome.'"

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who mediated between President Trump and European NATO allies to ease tensions when the conflict surrounding Greenland peaked last January, also welcomed the conclusion of the agreement.

Writing on the social media platform X, he emphasized that "the new agreement will strengthen collective security," and that "enhancing security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions is essential for both Europe and North America."

On the other hand, observations emerged that the fallout from the accumulated tensions would not vanish overnight simply because an agreement was signed.

Prime Minister Nielsen also touched on this, stating, "Now we must restore mutual trust with the U.S.," signaling that efforts will be required for both sides to fully recover their relationship given the depth of the emotional rift.

Naja Nathanielsen, a former Greenlandic minister who entered the Danish parliament through the general election in March, explained in an interview with AP regarding the period of persistent tension with the U.S., "It was a really difficult time for Greenland. Residents suffered from overall fear and worry, ranging from losing their homes to their livelihoods."

She nevertheless evaluated the agreement as "a big step in the right direction."

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.