Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Helsinki, Finland to start a three-day state visit to the Nordic country.
Finland dispatched two fighter jets to escort the Chinese president’s plane as soon as it entered the country’s airspace.
Xi is expected to meet his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto and the Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipila. The two sides will exchange views on strengthening cooperation in various areas.
The year of 2017 marks the centenary of Finland's independence. President Xi has extended his congratulations and expressed his wishes to the country and its people.
Xi said he is looking forward to exchanging views with his Finnish counterpart on bilateral ties and other issues.
After his visit to Finland, Xi is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida from April 6 to 7.
6329km
