A top diplomat from Greenland has issued a brutal put-down to Donald Trump’s plans to annex the world’s biggest island. He warned that his country is “not for sale” as he visits Washington under the US President’s nose. Kim Kielsen, the head of the Greenlandic Parliament, flew into the heart of American politics as President Trump has been juggling the fallout of the Iran-Israel war in the Middle East.

Speaking at an event celebrating Greenlandic culture at the Danish Embassy in Washington, Mr Kielsen abruptly told gathered dignitaries, “Let me repeat: Greenland is not for sale”, before adding, “But we are open for business.” The former policeman appeared to offer President Trump no hope of succeeding in plans which he outlined to Congress in a speech in March, when he said control of Greenland was essential “for national security and international security”.

Trump has spoken about the huge mineral wealth available under the permanent ice sheet covering Greenland, and he has also pointed to the US needing to combat encroaching interests from China and Russia.

But the US administration’s offer to buy or take over the Arctic island nation has been met with anger from local politicians and from Denmark, which currently exercises political oversight over the territory.

Mr Kielsen added: “The shamans are not only alone, they are helped by other elements, like animals, like polar bears and walruses.”

Mr Kielsen’s visit coincided with Greenlanders celebrating their National Day on June 21 to mark the summer solstice with songs, cannon salutes and dances under 24 hours of sunlight.

Revelers across the semi-autonomous Danish territory honoured the longest day of the year north of the equator, where the solstice marks the start of astronomical summer, with a march through their hometowns waving flags and participating in a seal hunting competition.

The national holiday was declared in 1985, following a referendum on home rule six years earlier, with the inaugural raising of the red-and-white Greenlandic flag. As the sun came out, locals gathered for the day of festivities, visiting friends and families, eating and dancing together.

Greenland’s roughly 56,000 inhabitants look forward to the midnight sun each year from May 25 to July 25, before the long, dark winter reappears.

The strategic, mineral-rich island has made headlines this year after Trump declared it his mission to make it part of the US, saying it’s crucial for American security in the high north.