US, Denmark negotiate defense cooperation agreement

COPENHAGEN, Denmark

Denmark and the US are negotiating a defense agreement in the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, confirmed Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday night.

After meeting with his American counterpart Anthony Blinken, the Danish foreign minister told local media that the US-Denmark Defense Cooperation Agreement was discussed between both state representatives.

“The agreement should create the possibility of a permanent American presence, but this will not be on a massive scale,” he added.

Separately, in a press release issued by the US State Department, it was said: “The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Denmark’s close partnership with the United States and continued support of Ukraine. The United States has a long, close, and mutually beneficial relationship with Denmark, and the Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed ways to further our partnership and engagement.”

The defense agreement was proposed by Denmark last year in February. The US welcomed the proposal by stating that “the agreement will allow our countries to deepen our close security partnership, further strengthen cooperation in NATO operations, and together, contribute to continued growth in Transatlantic security.”

The details of the negotiations have not yet been shared by any side.

Also, the two sides discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the meeting.

“We are approaching the anniversary of the Russian invasion,” Rasmussen told local media. “We are at a tipping point. Everyone is expecting a Russian offensive and there are indications that it is already slowly underway. Therefore, it is important that we now stand strong and united in our support for Ukraine.”