U.S. Envoy Visits Greenland to Discuss Renewed Military Presence

U.S. special envoy to Greenland arrived in the capital Nuuk on Sunday for meetings with local officials. The envoy told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that the United States needs to rebuild its presence on the island. The envoy noted that Washington once operated 17 military facilities in Greenland during the Cold War but now maintains only the Pituffik base in the north.

Officials have discussed opening three new bases in the south of the territory.

Background on U.S.

Interests A 1951 defense agreement, updated in 2004, allows the United States to increase troop deployments and installations if it notifies Denmark and Greenland in advance. Greenland lies on the shortest missile route between Russia and the United States.

The island is believed to hold untapped rare earth minerals and could gain importance as Arctic shipping routes open due to melting ice. The envoy stated that the president has discussed increasing national security operations and repopulating certain bases.

Greenland's prime minister said a working group was formed after earlier U.S. statements and described the recent talks as constructive. The prime minister added that there was no sign the U.S. position had changed. The envoy, who also serves as governor of Louisiana, was not officially invited and his presence drew local attention.