Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump spent most of a joint White House news conference with the president of Finland on Wednesday railing against Democrats and the media over the latest developments in the impeachment inquiry. But at the podium, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, maintained a consistent message, subtly countering Trump on the climate crisis, European cooperation and arms control.

Niinistö opened remarks by saying he spent some free time in Washington at the American History Museum, the African American History Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian, adding that he admires the democracy the US has built.

"Mr. President, you have here a great democracy. Keep it going on," he said, as Democrats move ahead with their impeachment inquiry.

And while the US has threatened tariffs on the European Union and criticized key European allies on defense spending, Niinistö said he took up "the importance of trans-Atlantic cooperation" with Trump. "We all know Europe needs USA. But I say, USA needs also Europe," he added.

"We know the price of everything. We should recognize ... the value of everything. We share the same values -- democracy, human rights, rule-based order, and in that, we are very similar. Europe has in a way awakened during the couple last year to understand more about (the) security point of view and I just want to tell you that in my opinion the stronger Europe we have, the stronger partner you have," Niinistö added.

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