RASMUSSEN: U.S. DEAL WOULD STRENGTHEN ARCTIC SECURITY

COPENHAGEN, SEPTEMBER 19 /SRNA/ – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said an agreement between Denmark and the United States on Greenland would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

"Next week could be an equally good week for Greenland, Denmark and the United States," Rasmussen wrote on Instagram.

He added that he hoped the period of uncertainty would be replaced by a binding agreement that strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and therefore the collective security of NATO and Europe, while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Danish government earlier said it was cautiously optimistic about US President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement on Greenland.

According to the statement, the three sides are expected to sign the agreement next week during the United Nations General Assembly.

Under the new agreement, the US military presence in Greenland would be increased, while the island would remain under Danish control, following months of threats by Trump to take control of the semi-autonomous territory, AP reported.