Supporters cheer as Trump nears Helsinki hotel

Several dozen supporters of President Donald Trump, many waving American flags and sporting "Make America Great Again" caps, have cheered as the U.S. leader neared his hotel in Helsinki before his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Dozens of police cordoned off a small area Sunday night at an intersection along the route of Trump's motorcade near the posh waterfront hotel where he and his wife, Melania, are staying.

U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the airport in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, July 15, 2018 on the eve of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. [Photo: AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais]

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 criticized his policies.

A few scattered boos rang out from across the road.

Trump and his wife waved at the supporters, two of whom held up a handwritten banner that read "God Bless D & M Trump."

President Donald Trump has arrived in Finland for his closely watched summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump landed in the capital city, Helsinki, late Sunday. He planned no public appearances until Monday, when he heads to the Presidential Palace for breakfast with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. Trump and Putin meet later Monday at the palace.

The president flew in from Scotland, where he and his wife, Melania, spent the weekend at a golf resort he owns there.

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 U.S.-Soviet and U.S.-Russian summits because of its geographic location and perceived neutrality.