Since 1951, the United States has maintained Pituffik (formerly Thule Air Base), located in northwest Greenland, less than 1,000 miles from the North Pole. The base is supplied by the northernmost deep-water port in the world, which is free of ice only three months a year. The conditions are incredibly harsh.
The base provides critical radar and domain awareness capabilities focused on potential threats to the United States. It also is one of the world’s most important locations in the study of the origins and dynamics of the universe. The base hosts a radio telescope that is part of a small global network, which allows us to look deeper into space with high accuracy.
Greenland also contains critical mineral deposits with great supply-chain potential that are largely untapped, and attracting growing attention from the United States and other countries.
One of my top priorities was to work with my colleagues in the embassy in Copenhagen and consulate in Nuuk to strengthen the relationship between Greenland and the United States in security, trade, education, mineral development, and scientific research. Denmark has actively participated in and supported our efforts. My work built upon the important efforts of prior US ambassadors, both Republican and Democratic.
President Trump has highlighted the importance of Greenland given its proximity to the United States and its strategic location. I support the focus that the president has placed on Greenland, which is consistent with the policy during my tenure as ambassador.
The High North is an increasing security concern for the United States, Denmark, and our other NATO allies, given tensions with Russia and China. China now calls itself a “near Arctic” nation and is making enormous investments in ice-breaking ships.
The Danes view the United States as their most important security relationship. Coming out of the German occupation of Denmark during World War II, the generation that grew up with parents who lived through that time have a deep emotional commitment to the United States.
Danes have sacrificed their lives serving alongside Americans in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. They are close partners of the United States around the world. Importantly, Denmark in the past three years has increased its defense spending to 2.4 percent of gross domestic product, exceeding the 2 percent Wales pledge for NATO countries.
Surprising to many, Denmark has been the fourth-largest provider of military support to Ukraine and has trained Ukrainian pilots in Denmark to fly F-16s. It co-led a coalition of countries to donate F-16s, which are now defending Ukrainian airspace.
It also established the “Danish model” to have European countries invest in the Ukrainian armament industry so Ukraine can more effectively defend against Russian aggression.
Denmark made clear it is ready to discuss Arctic security with the United States and shares the concern about the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic. It is taking significant steps to build up its defense and surveillance capabilities in Greenland.
Greenland has also indicated it is open to further American investment in the island’s extraordinary supply of critical minerals, which can secure US access to these vital resources.
Greenland contains the world’s eighth-largest supply of rare earth minerals. Lithium, cobalt, graphite, niobium, and other key metals are important for batteries, electric motors, aerospace applications, and petroleum refinement. China currently supplies more than two-thirds of the rare earth market.
While Denmark is committed to supporting US goals on security and minerals, it is not in a position to dictate Greenland’s future. It has been clear that the future of Greenland is up to the people of Greenland. I have had extensive meetings and discussions with Greenlandic government officials, business leaders, and young people. They are focused on determining their own future.
As the United States considers its relationship with Greenland, it is critical to work in close partnership with the Greenlandic government and our longtime close ally, Denmark, to advance our security and mineral priorities.
Alan M. Leventhal served as US ambassador to Denmark from July 2022 to January 2025.
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Publish date : 2025-02-21 06:23:00
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