Mr. President, ever since the Second World War, the United States has defended the free world, created prosperity and progress, peace and freedom. And I am very proud to say that in the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States has a friend that has always kept our word, an ally you have always been able to rely on. And this day represents a milestone in our long-standing cooperation. 75 years ago, we entered into an agreement about the defense of Greenland. Today, we are signing an even bigger and better agreement, a deal that can last forever. This deal is good for the United States, it's good for Greenland, for Denmark, for the NATO alliance, and therefore also good for Europe. In other words, we are strengthening our common security, boosting our common deterrence, showing our adversaries who we are. And we are doing it together.
Mr. President, you have been very clear. You don't want adversaries to come too close. I fully agree. And with this deal, they are not. We are making sure that they will not be allowed to get any control or significant influence in Greenland. And we are making sure that more allies are present in the Arctic at the same time. Our agreement today underlines the importance of the NATO alliance, and we welcome engagement and involvement in Greenland from partners and allies even more. This agreement also recognizes the United States' defining historical and ongoing contributions to the security and defense of Greenland and the rest of the North Atlantic Treaty area. Including, by the way, the sacrifices and billions of dollars spent and the role that United States military plays in the defense when it comes to Greenland now and also in the future. And at the same time, the agreement, of course, respects the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as Greenland's right to self-determination.
I think everybody knows that we live in difficult times where we have to show our strength. If we let ourselves be divided as allies, then we do our foes a favor. We will do everything we can to prevent that from happening. I agree when you, Mr. President, have asked allies to pay our part of the burden. In fact, I think it's only fair. The Kingdom of Denmark has done exactly that. And with those few words, I just wanted to thank you for this agreement. It's good for you, U.S., it's good for Greenland, and it's good for Denmark. Thanks a lot.