Greenland parliament ratifies US security agreement

Greenland's parliament on Tuesday ratified a security agreement reached earlier this year with US President Donald Trump, despite questions from some opposition lawmakers about its economic benefits, Report informs, citing Reuters.

The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed the agreement in September to ease tensions following Trump's repeated threats to take control of the strategically located, mineral-rich island, a self-governing Danish territory.

The deal expands the US military presence in Greenland, paving the way for two new bases and Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system. It also reaffirms Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination.

Lawmakers approved the agreement by 16 votes to none, with seven abstentions.

Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede described ratification as an important step for the island.

"We must accept that peace and stability are no longer something we can take for granted," he told lawmakers in Nuuk before the vote.

The opposition Naleraq party, a leading advocate of Greenland's independence, questioned the agreement's economic value.

Denmark's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading on November 11, followed by a second reading and a vote on November 19.

The agreement will take effect once Denmark and Greenland have ratified it. US Senate approval is not required.