US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a framework for a deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region was established following his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland.
"Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.
"This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He did not provide details but said additional discussions are ongoing.
"Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st," he added.
Trump said additional discussions are being held concerning the “Golden Dome” -- a proposed US missile defense system -- as it pertains to Greenland.
US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and "various others" will be responsible for negotiations, he said.
Last week, Trump said Washington would impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland starting on Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June unless there is a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."
European leaders rejected Trump's threats against the eight European nations, reiterating solidarity with Denmark and vowing collective action.
Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos earlier Wednesday, Trump ruled out military force to acquire Greenland.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” he said.
“That’s probably the biggest statement I made, because people thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force.”
Greenland has attracted Trump's attention due to its strategic Arctic position, extensive mineral resources, and alleged concerns about a growing Russian and Chinese presence.
Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.
- 'This is forever'
Later, Trump told CNBC that he and Rutte have "a concept of a deal."
"I think it's going to be a very good deal for the United States, also for them, and we're going to work together on something having to do with the Arctic as a whole, but also Greenland," he said.
Trump said it will be a long-term deal.
"This is forever," he added.
When asked whether escalating tensions should be described as a "trade war" rather than a traditional war, Trump said: "I think so. I don't see us fighting with Denmark."
- Agreement to ensure Arctic security 'through a collective effort by allies': NATO spokesperson
Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2, a NATO spokesperson said that Rutte had a "very productive" meeting with Trump.
"The framework of the agreement that the president referred to will focus on ensuring security in the Arctic through a collective effort by allies. Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland and the United States will continue with the aim of ensuring that Russia and China never gain an economic or military foothold in Greenland," the spokesperson noted.
In footage revealed by Danish broadcaster DR, Rutte also told reporters that "it was a really good meeting with a really good outcome — for the United States, for NATO as a whole, and for Europe."
He stressed that the agreement aims to protect the Arctic and implement "the president’s vision.”
By Diyar Guldogan and Ilayda Cakirtekin
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr