Helsinki Summit HIGHLIGHTS| Trump to Putin: World wants us to get along

The countries are likely to discuss wide-ranging issues such as conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, as well as alleged meddling in the US election and Western sanctions.
US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin reach to shake hands before a meeting in Helsinki (Photo | AFP)
US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin reach to shake hands before a meeting in Helsinki (Photo | AFP)

The US and Russian leaders opened an historic summit in Helsinki today, with Donald Trump promising an "extraordinary relationship" and Vladimir Putin saying it was high time to thrash out disputes around the world.

Looking sombre, they exchanged opening remarks in front of the press at the start of their summit in Helsinki.

While Trump acclaimed the meeting's potential, Putin said: "The time has come to talk in a substantive way about our relations and problem areas of the world."

Follow the updates below:

(With inputs from AP and AFP)

Summit continues without talk of Russian election meddling

Trump said he and Putin would discuss a range of issues, from trade to the military, along with missiles and China. Not mentioned: Election meddling or Syria.
Trump said last week that he would raise the election-meddling issue with Putin, but said he didn't expect Putin to budge on his denials.

Trump, Putin to discuss ways to normalise bilateral relations

Putin, Trump to hold another bilateral meeting with more aides

Demonstrations against the leaders

While the summit goes on, abortion-rights activists and anti-fascist protesters take to the streets to demonstrate against the two leaders in various landmarks of Helsinki and outside the presidential palace.

Trump and Putin are currently in a one-on-one meeting, with only translators in the room.

At the start of the summit, Trump says that the two countries have "great opportunities" and can have an "extraordinary relationship"

Radio journalist Jamie Dupree provides more updates

President Donald Trump says at the start of his summit with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki that he thinks "the world wants to see us get along."

Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Helsinki

 

Trump arrives at Finnish palace

Trump has arrived at Finland's Presidential Palace for the summit .Putin arrived minutes earlier at the palace in Helsinki for the summit, which consists of a one-on-one meeting and a larger working lunch, and will conclude with a joint news conference.

Russia’s foreign ministry also agreed with Trump’s assessment that US-Russia relations have never been worse.

EU official urges Trump, Putin not to destroy global order

Speaking before the summit, European Council President Donald Tusk appealed for leaders to avoid wrecking a political and economic order that nurtured a peaceful Europe and developing China.
Hours before the Helsinki summit, Trump was asked if he would press Putin over Russia's alleged manipulation of the 2016 election that brought the mercurial property tycoon to power. He said only: "We'll do just fine."

Trump attacks prior US administrations 'foolishness' heading into Putin showdown

Trump determined to forge a personal bond with the Kremlin chief, saying only 'stupidity' by prior administrations had brought US-Russian ties to their present low.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman has earlier said that he hopes the summit with US President Donald Trump is a "baby step" toward fixing exceptionally bad US-Russian relations.

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