Xi meets Finnish president via video link

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto via video link.

Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China and has long adhered to a friendly policy toward China, Xi said. "President Niinisto in particular has been actively committed to promoting Finland's practical cooperation with China and friendly exchanges in various fields, which I appreciate."

Xi said that in recent years, China-Finland relations have maintained steady development, and their cooperation in forest industry, agricultural and food products, information and communication, energy, environmental protection, science and technology, education, winter sports and other fields has deepened, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

China-Finland relations have always maintained a good momentum of development. The fundamental reason is that both sides uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi noted.

China is willing to share development opportunities with Finland, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between the two countries, strengthen coordination in international affairs, jointly advocate multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and make positive contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting the modernization of all countries in the world, Xi said.

Noting that the strategic significance and global influence of China-EU relations have become more prominent amid the current turbulent international situation, Xi said China is ready to work with Finland and other European countries to view each other from a strategic and long-term perspective, safeguard and develop China-EU relations, and achieve common development.

Niinisto said he still has vivid memories of Xi's two visits to Finland and his visit to China, and all the previous exchanges have left a deep impression on him.

The future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China, which they jointly announced, has maintained a sound momentum of development and achieved positive results in cooperation in various fields, he added.

Finland and China also conducted sound cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Niinisto, noting that China's development has made remarkable achievements and the living standards of the Chinese people are constantly improving.

Niinisto expressed Finland's willingness to further tap potential with China to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote new development of Finland-China and EU-China relations, adding that Finland is also willing to communicate closely with China about international and regional affairs and jointly cope with global challenges.

The two heads of state also exchanged new year greetings. Niinisto wished the Chinese people a happy and prosperous new year.