A framework deal on Greenland agreed with US President Donald Trump would require NATO allies to step up on arctic security and the first results of this would be seen this year, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters in an interview yesterday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Trump on Wednesday said that Western arctic allies could forge an agreement that satisfies his desire for a “golden dome” missile defense system and access to minerals while blocking Russia’s and China’s ambitions in the region.
It was up to NATO commanders to work through the details of extra security requirements, Rutte said, adding that he was sure non-arctic NATO allies would want to contribute to the effort.
Photo: AP
“We will come together in NATO with our senior commanders to work out what is necessary,” Rutte said. “I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026.”
Rutte said minerals exploitation was not discussed during his meeting with Trump in Davos on Wednesday, adding that specific negotiations on the arctic island would continue between the US, Denmark and Greenland itself.
Rutte also said the intensified arctic effort would not drain resources in support of Ukraine.
Asked if NATO allies can take Trump at his word, Rutte said: “You can always take Donald Trump at his word.”
Trump on Wednesday said that the US would not use force to pursue his ambition to acquire Greenland, and later dropped the threat of additional tariffs against some European allies and fellow NATO members over the issue.
In Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Denmark and Greenland would continue to engage in a constructive dialogue on security in the arctic, provided that this is done with respect for her country’s territorial integrity.
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