Beijing, April 7th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Jussi Kristian Halla-aho, Speaker of the Parliament of Finland. 

Liu said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Finland relations have maintained healthy and stable development, setting an example of friendly coexistence between countries of different sizes and systems. Last year, President Xi Jinping had in-depth communication with President Alexander Stubb during the latter's visit to China, charting the course for the development of China-Finland relations. China is willing to work with Finland to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, and further consolidate the foundation of bilateral relations. The international landscape is undergoing rapid transformation with global challenges continuing to emerge. China is willing to, together with Finland, strengthen coordination on multilateral affairs, jointly maintain world peace and stability, and promote common development. China regards the European Union (EU) as an important partner and hopes that Finland will play an active role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. The CPC maintains friendly exchanges with major political parties in Finland, which has played an important role in promoting the development of China-Finland relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with all political parties in Finland and enhance mutual understanding. As China comprehensively promotes Chinese modernization, China stands ready to share development opportunities with countries around the world, including Finland. 

Halla-aho said, China is the most ancient civilization and the Chinese civilization has continued uninterrupted to this day. In recent years, China has made great achievements in economy, scientific and technological innovation and other fields. Finland is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and is also the first Western country to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and China. Over the past 75 years, bilateral relations have maintained stable development and have been brimming with vitality. Finland is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in various areas, and at the same time, engage in frank discussions in the spirit of mutual respect, expand common ground between the two sides, enhance mutual understanding, and push bilateral relations for better development. It is hoped that China, the world's second largest economy, will play a greater role in solving global problems. The Parliament of Finland is willing to strengthen exchanges with the National People's Congress of China. 

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. 

Mikko Kinnunen, Finnish Ambassador to China, was present.