The prime minister of the Greenland says the people of his mineral-rich Arctic territory don't want to be Americans but that he's open to greater cooperation with the United States.

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said on Friday he was ready to speak with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he wants control over the Arctic island, and urged respect for the island's independence aspirations.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wants to hold talks with US President-elect Donald Trump after he announced his desire to buy Greenland, Politico reports. “We have suggested a conversation [with Trump] and I expect it will take place,