Xi Jinping to strengthen China-Finland relations during Finnish prime ministers visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a four-day visit to the country. During their meeting, Xi expressed his country’s willingness to enhance mutual trust and strengthen communication with Finland.

Xi also stated that businesses from Helsinki are welcome to operate freely in China’s vast market. The Chinese President added that Beijing is seeking to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world based on international law.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as energy transition, agriculture, and forestry. Xi expressed his country’s readiness to work with Finland to uphold the international system established by the United Nations.

On Monday, Orpo met Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who urged Finland to consider caution when using restrictive trade and economic tools. Wang also called on Orpo to oppose protectionism and create a fair, open, and predictable policy environment for Chinese companies.

China’s Ministry of Commerce had announced plans to sign a deal with Finland on business cooperation. The visit is part of an effort by China to strengthen ties with European countries. For years, China has been Finland’s largest trading partner in Asia, while Helsinki is Beijing’s third-largest trading partner in Northern Europe.

Finnish companies from over 20 sectors are accompanying Orpo during his visit. Other high-ranking officials, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, Zhao Leji, are also scheduled to meet with Orpo.

Source: Al Jazeera