US President Donald Trump arrived in Finland with about 2500 human rights protesters rallying in Helsinki but he has found some support with several dozen supporters cheering him as he neared his hotel.
Trump arrived in the Finnish capital with his wife Melania late on Sunday night after spending the weekend at his golf resort in western Scotland ahead of a closely watched summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dozens of police cordoned off a small area at an intersection along the route of Trump's motorcade near the waterfront hotel where the Trumps are staying while in Helsinki.
The Trump fans, several from the True Finn anti-immigration party, said they wanted to make a show of support in a country where many people have criticised his policies.
A few scattered boos rang out from across the road.
The Trumps waved the supporters, two of whom held up a handwritten banner that read "God Bless D & M Trump".
Trump is due to have breakfast at the Presidential Palace with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto before meeting Putin at the palace later in the day.
Last week he met with British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth II with his first official visit to the UK marred by large protests in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and other British cities.
An environmentalist who allegedly flew a paraglider bearing a banner which read: Trump: Well Below Par over Trump's golf resort on Friday has been charged with breaching a security no fly zone.
Trump heads into the summit with little clear agenda other than to strengthen his personal rapport with Putin, which he thinks is crucial to improving relations between Washington and Moscow.
Finland has a long legacy of hosting US-Soviet and US-Russian summits because of its geographic location and perceived neutrality.
In Helsinki, some 1,500 people demonstrated for human and sexual rights, democracy and environmental issues. They marched through central Helsinki shouting "Human rights for all!" and "Helsinki calling for Mr. Putin, Helsinki calling for Mr. Trump!"
One protester held a sign that read, "Build saunas not war!"
Organisers say the protest wasn't aimed at either president but was designed to focus on important global issues.
"We celebrate the Helsinki spirit here ... and we welcome everybody who respects human rights and democracy and doesn't share fake news," Helsinki native Timo Heikkinen, 50, said.
Australian Associated Press
