'We are proud population, not some piece of ice': Greenland PM hits back at Trump as NATO tensions rise

Nuuk: Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Thursday strongly countered remarks made by US President Donald Trump, asserting that the Arctic territory is a sovereign and responsible member of the global community.

His response came after Trump, amid criticism of NATO’s role during the Iran conflict, referred to Greenland as a "BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE" and talked about acquiring the island.

"What is important for ⁠us ‌is that we maintain the world community that we have built after World ‌War Two, where we have a defence alliance that ⁠we respect, and where we have international law respected by all sides," Nielsen ‌told Reuters.

"Those things are being ‌challenged now, and I think all allies should ‌stand together to try to ‌maintain them. I hope that will happen," he said.

Tensions around Greenland have resurfaced in recent months, with NATO allies working to manage strains after Trump renewed his push to take control of the island from Denmark, a fellow alliance member.

Rejecting Trump’s remarks, Nielsen said Greenland should not be reduced to dismissive characterisations.

"We are not some piece of ice. We are a proud population of 57,000 people, working every single day as good global citizens in full respect for all our allies," he said.