China and Finland Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Challenges
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the relationship between China and Finland as a model of state-to-state diplomacy, highlighting it as a foundation for global stability and cooperation. Xi’s comments came during a meeting on Tuesday with Finnish President Alexander Stubb at the Great Hall of the People, where both leaders committed to enhancing their countries’ “future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership” amid rising global risks and challenges.
President Xi emphasized Finland’s role as one of the earliest Western nations to establish diplomatic ties and initiate trade agreements with China, underscoring the longstanding mutual respect and trust shared between the two countries. He praised the bilateral relationship as an example that transcends historical, cultural, and institutional differences, setting a benchmark for state-to-state relations that prioritizes mutual benefit.
“China is willing to work with Finland to deepen strategic cooperation, carry forward our friendly traditions, and advance our partnership to benefit both nations and contribute to global peace and development,” said Xi. He noted the significance of Finland’s active participation in China’s modernization efforts and their shared interests in emerging fields such as green transformation, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy.
In a gesture to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, China announced the inclusion of Finland in its unilateral visa exemption policy, welcoming Finnish citizens for business, tourism, and study. Xi expressed China’s readiness to expand cooperation in climate change, biodiversity protection, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence governance, reiterating China’s and Finland’s shared advocacy for multilateralism and free trade.
Marking the upcoming 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, Xi expressed hope for Finland’s continued positive role in fostering stable China-EU relations. President Stubb acknowledged the strong foundation of mutual respect and practical cooperation developed over 74 years of diplomatic ties, with expanding areas of collaboration yielding fruitful outcomes. Stubb reiterated Finland’s commitment to the one-China principle and outlined Finland’s intention to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with China next year by expanding exchanges and deepening cooperation in trade, green energy, and sustainable development.
The two leaders also exchanged views on critical global issues, including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with Xi emphasizing China’s commitment to promoting peaceful resolutions in collaboration with Finland and other international partners. Following the talks, both presidents witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements in areas like education, environmental protection, circular economy, and agricultural products. They also unveiled a joint work plan to advance the China-Finland cooperative partnership between 2025 and 2029, aiming to strengthen collaboration across key sectors and foster long-term growth.
President Stubb commended China’s influential and stabilizing role in international affairs, expressing Finland’s commitment to furthering multilateral communication and reinforcing its constructive ties with China and the European Union.
