Greenland welcomes US military pact but trust still shaky

NUUK/COPENHAGEN — The Greenlandic government and its citizens welcomed the news that a military pact between the US and Denmark may alleviate concerns over President Donald Trump's threats to acquire their Arctic territory. Naaja Nathanielsen, a Greenlandic MP in the Danish parliament, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that they can take "incredible relief" from the agreement.

Meanwhile, Parliament speaker Kim Kielsen encouraged residents to display the Greenlandic flag on Wednesday, while activist Orla Joelsen urged people in the capital, Nuuk, to gather at the airport to greet the prime minister and foreign minister upon their return from New York, where the deal was finalized.

The agreement permits the US to strengthen its military presence in Greenland, reopening Cold War-era bases in the communities of Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. This move could potentially lead to increased spending and job opportunities. However, the pact did not address Trump's earlier proposal to annex Greenland in an effort to counter Russia and China's growing influence in the Arctic region. Many Greenlandic residents remain skeptical of the United States and harbor trust issues.