The defense minister has denounced the US president's remarks describing the African state as "filthy" and its people as "garbage"

US President Donald Trump should focus on delivering on his promises to the American people rather than "busying" himself with insults directed at Somalia, the East African country's defense minister has said, according to Reuters.

Ahmed Moallim Fiqi's remarks came after Trump called Somalia "filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime," while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Trump was expected to address the state of the economy but instead veered off script to denounce immigration from "Third World" countries.

He said the US only takes people from "s**thole countries" like Somalia - "places that are a disaster."

"The only thing they are good at is going after ships," he added, in an apparent reference to piracy off the Somali coast.

"Why can we not have some people from Norway, Sweden?" Trump asked the crowd.

In response, Somalia's defense minister told Reuters that Somalis will not accept being demeaned. He expressed appreciation for US military support against Al Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia, while rejecting Trump's portrayal of Somalis.

READ MORE: Trump brands Somalis 'garbage'

"The Somali people are known around the world for their hard work... their resilience in the face of adversity," Fiqi said.

Trump has in recent weeks ramped up attacks on the Somali-American community, particularly in Minnesota, home to the largest Somali diaspora in the US. The comments followed the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House last month.

While an Afghan national has been charged with the killing, Trump has claimed that "gangs" of Somali refugees in Minnesota are terrorizing people in the "once great state," and billions of dollars are stolen.

Last week, the US president called Somalis, including Democratic lawmaker Ilhan Omar, "garbage," urging them to return to their home country because they "contribute nothing" to society.

Omar, who represents Minnesota's 5th District and is part of the 'squad' of progressive Democrats who frequently clash with Republicans, dismissed Trump's rhetoric as a "creepy obsession" with her.

Speaking on American University Radio on Wednesday, she said Somalis continue to show resilience, thrive, and remain appreciative of the opportunities they have been given in the US.