China, Finland vow to uphold multilateral trade system

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang vowed to join hands with Finland in safeguarding world stability and promoting multilateral trade system.

Premier Li made the remarks on Tuesday during his meeting with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in Beijing.

China-Finland ties are at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries and have enjoyed a sustainable and healthy development over the years, Li noted.

He pointed out that China and Finland have complementary advantages and broad prospects in economic and technological cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R, C) meets with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (L, C) at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, January 15, 2019. /Photo via gov.cn

China has a vast market with rich opportunities for the commercialization of Finnish technological innovation, he added. China will vigorously protect intellectual property rights, to promote domestic development transformation as well as boost exchange of advanced technologies and concepts.

The talks between President Xi Jinping a nd his Finnish counterpart on Monday have mapped out a blueprint for the development of China-Finland relations, he said.

China has firmly supported the European integration, and always regarded the European Union (EU) as an important force for promoting free trade and safeguarding sustainable global development, he noted.

Finland will assume the EU presidency later this year and China hopes Finland will actively and constructively contribute to EU unity and prosperity. China is willing to hold a new round of China-EU leaders' meeting and lift cooperation between the two sides to a new height, Li said.

Niinisto said that Finland highly values Finland-China ties and is determined to jointly uphold the multilateral trade system.

He added that China's development as a stable force in global affairs offers new opportunities for cooperation with Finland and other countries. Finland attaches great importance to China's vast market and is eager to strengthen comprehensive cooperation in sectors such as enterprises, climate change, technological innovation, and clean energy.

Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Li Zhanshu, met with Niinisto the same day.

He said that China's NPC is willing to strengthen friendly communication with the Finnish parliament at all levels, carry out exchanges in legislation, supervision and governance of state affairs, and promote cooperation in various fields including economy, trade, innovation, environmental protection and winter sports.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Finland, both sides have adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment, and mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a model for peaceful coexistence and friendly exchanges, Li Zhanshu added.

Niinisto expressed his determination to implement the important consensus of the two sides and willingness to help China successfully host the 2022 Winter Olympics.