Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Foreign Minister Múte B Egede received a hero's welcome upon their return to Nuuk from New York on Wednesday night. Their arrival followed the signing of a new defence agreement between Greenland, Denmark, and the US at the UN.
The agreement aims to update the 1951 defence agreement and is seen by many in Greenland as a resolution to a period of geopolitical turbulence. This period began approximately 20 months ago with a visit by Donald Trump Jr and included threats from Donald Trump to annex the Arctic island.
The new agreement grants the US underwater access to Greenland and specific permission to construct a missile defence system. Greenlandic politicians and citizens have expressed relief, with Prime Minister Nielsen stating, "Our land will not be taken. Our land will not be bought."
The agreement also addresses Greenland's potential future independence, stipulating that if it becomes independent, the governments of Greenland and Denmark would ensure the independent Greenlandic state remains in Nato, applying for membership if necessary. While some details, such as investment, are still being clarified, the agreement is viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement.