The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, and the United States share a long history of friendship and cooperation. Through the years, the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, has contributed to the protection of mutual security interests and shared the associated risks and responsibilities. The Kingdom’s contributions have been based on a mutual understanding that the United States’ military presence in Greenland should benefit Greenland and the Greenlandic society to the maximum extent possible.
On September 17 the United States Department of Defense issued “Statement of Intent on Defense Investments in Greenland”. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, welcomes the statement, which illustrates a very interesting potential for future cooperation.
“We welcome the American Statement of Intent, and look forward to discuss details of possible US airport investments in Greenland. The Greenland Government is prepared to put great emphasis in a dialogue securing mutual benefits. In this respect, we see the United States Department of Defense statement as a positive initiative”, said Greenland’s Minister for Education, Culture, Church and Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt.
“The Arctic is increasingly important from a geopolitical point of view. We warmly appreciate the defense cooperation with the Unites States in Greenland, contributing to our shared objective of security while maintaining the region a low-tension area”, said Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen.
“Looking ahead, increasing civil and military activity in the Arctic will call for expanded presence and surveillance. With the Danish Government’s Defense Agreement running until 2023, we will continue the strengthening of our presence in the Arctic. And we appreciate the close cooperation with the US on Arctic Affairs, including improving operational capabilities”, said Minister of Defense, Claus Hjort Frederiksen.
The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, look forward to continuing close cooperation with the United States and explore the possibilities for future joint efforts in Greenland to mutual benefit of all parties, within the framework of the Permanent Committee.