On the afternoon of January 10, 2024, President Xi Jinping held a video conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and has adhered to a friendly policy toward China for many years. In particular, President Sauli Niinistö highly values Finland’s active efforts to promote substantial cooperation with China and friendly exchanges in various fields. President Xi said that in recent years, relations between China and Finland have maintained steady development, and that bilateral cooperation in areas such as forestry, agricultural products, food, information and communications, energy, environmental protection, science and technology, education, and winter sports has been enhanced. He said it is being maintained. He is happy that it has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
Xi Jinping stressed that China-Finland relations have always maintained a good development momentum, and the fundamental reason is that both sides uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation. China is currently building a strong country through China’s modernization path, promoting the cause of national rejuvenation in all aspects, and is firmly committed to an independent peace foreign policy. China will share development opportunities with Finland, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen a new type of future-oriented cooperative partnership, strengthen cooperation in international affairs, jointly advocate multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and Japan is ready to actively contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the United States. and promote the modernization of all countries of the world. President Xi pointed out that in the current turbulent international situation, the strategic importance and global influence of China-EU relations have become more prominent, and China will cooperate with Finland and other European countries. , stated that they are ready to continue to look at each other from a strategic and long-term perspective. , protect and develop China-EU relations and achieve common development.
Sauli Niinistö said that he still vividly remembers President Xi Jinping’s two visits to Finland and China, and that all of their interactions have left a deep impression on him. He said he was pleased that the future-oriented new type of cooperation partnership jointly announced by Finland and China has maintained a healthy development momentum and achieved positive results in cooperation in various fields. The two countries carried out sound cooperation even under the coronavirus pandemic. Pointing out that China’s development has achieved remarkable results and the living standards of the Chinese people are constantly improving, he urges Finland to further exploit the potential with China and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, They expressed their intention to continue promoting new developments in the relationship. Finland stands ready to communicate closely with China on international and regional issues and jointly address global challenges.
The two leaders also exchanged New Year’s greetings. Sauli Niinistö wishes the Chinese people a Happy New Year.
Wang Yi also attended the meeting.