Greenland’s future could be the kind of Compact of Free Association that America has with three Pacific Island states, Trump aides are telling reporters. Under these Compacts, the island nations get sovereignty, development assistance, and the right of residents to live and work in America. In return, Washington takes over defense.

The Danish foreign minister expressed openness to working more closely with the U.S. to ensure its interests in the region are addressed after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants to buy the Danish territory of Greenland—but the foreign minister continued to cast doubt on Trump’s idea to acquire the island.