"They called me daddy," Trump says in speech about Greenland

President of the United States Donald Trump revived his call for the United States to take control of Greenland during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, embracing a remark in which he said foreign leaders had referred to him as “daddy.”

Addressing political and business leaders, Trump argued that no country other than the United States could secure Greenland, while insisting he would not use military force to take over the territory.

“I won’t use force,” Trump said, adding that Washington does “a lot for Europe” and NATO.

Read more: Europe firm on Greenland as Trump 'mocks leaders'

During the speech, Trump repeatedly appeared to confuse Greenland with Iceland while describing what he portrayed as past support from Europe.

“I’m helping Europe. I’m helping NATO, and until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me,” Trump said. “They called me daddy. A very smart man said, ‘He’s our daddy, he’s running it.’ But now what I’m asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located.”

Trump went on to suggest European leaders should show appreciation by agreeing to transfer Greenland to the United States.

Read more: Trump addresses World Economic Forum in Davos

“You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative,” he said. “Or you can say no, and we will remember.”

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Iceland is a separate sovereign state and a NATO member. European leaders did not immediately respond to the remarks.