Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the strong relationship between China and Finland during talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Beijing on Tuesday. Describing the bilateral ties as an example of international diplomacy, Xi emphasized the “exceptional value” of the two nations’ cooperation amidst a rapidly changing global landscape.
“As the world undergoes accelerated changes unseen in a century, and the risks and challenges facing human society are increasing, the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between China and Finland holds exceptional value and should be cherished and advanced,” Xi told Stubb at the Great Hall of the People.
Xi highlighted Finland’s early recognition of the People’s Republic of China, noting that it was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties and sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China. He praised the longstanding friendship based on mutual respect and trust, setting a fine example of state-to-state relations that transcend historical, cultural, and institutional differences.
The Chinese President expressed China’s willingness to work with Finland to strengthen strategic cooperation, carry forward friendly traditions, and advance the cooperative partnership for the benefit of both countries and their peoples. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, equal treatment, and accommodating each other’s core interests as the foundation of their enduring relationship.
Xi welcomed Finland’s active participation in China’s modernization efforts and called for expanded cooperation in emerging industries such as green transformation, information technology, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy. He proposed building a new pattern of mutually beneficial cooperation in the new era.
In a significant move to enhance people-to-people exchanges, Xi announced that China has decided to include Finland in its unilateral visa exemption policy. “We welcome more Finnish citizens to come to China for business, tourism, and study,” he said.
Both leaders underscored their countries’ shared commitment to peace, multilateralism, and free trade. Xi stated that China is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Finland on issues like climate change, biodiversity protection, global sustainable development, and artificial intelligence governance.
“We should work together to maintain world peace and stability and advance the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization,” Xi added.
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union next year, Xi expressed hopes that Finland would continue to play a positive role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-EU relations, ensuring mutual promotion and common development between China-Finland and China-EU ties.
Reference(s):
Xi hails 'exceptional value' of China-Finland ties in talks with Stubb
cgtn.com
