Denmark and the United States have begun negotiations on a new defense agreement that could include the presence of US troops and military equipment on Danish soil, said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Reuters reported.

The talks requested by the United States came after Washington has strengthened military cooperation with Norway and the Baltic states in recent years, she said.

Such an agreement directly between the United States and Denmark will open up new opportunities for cooperation and activities in a number of separate military areas in Denmark, Frederiksen said, adding that it could also include the deployment of US soldiers on Danish soil.