Esko Aho, former prime minister of Finland (1991-1995), called for stronger dialogue between the European Union and China to enable closer cooperation.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia in south China's Hainan Province, Aho praised Hainan's rapid development and its ambitious plans to become a logistical gateway to China. He highlighted strong potential for practical Finland-China cooperation in energy, technology, green innovation, and tackling the challenges of an ageing population, stressing that continued dialogue and collaboration will benefit both sides.