President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi Jinping and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö during the signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace, 2017, in Helsinki, Finland., LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN
- Next Article Opposition says government abandoned citizens amid electricity price spike
In a significant step towards reinforcing the diplomatic relationship between Finland and China, President Sauli Niinistö of Finland engaged in a comprehensive video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. This interaction highlights the longstanding and stable relations between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of bilateral dialogue and cooperation in various domains.
The video call marks a renewed phase of interaction following the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Presidents expressed satisfaction with the resumption of bilateral dialogue and visits, underlining the robustness of Finland-China relations. A press release from the office of the Finnish president particularly noted the constructive discussions surrounding the Balticconnector pipeline incident, showcasing effective communication in addressing complex bilateral issues.
The Balticconnector pipeline was damaged by an accident caused by the anchor of a trade ship under the Chinese flag. Investigations of causes and negotiations for repairs have been ongoing.
The leaders also delved into issues of bilateral economic cooperation, a cornerstone of Finland-China relations. Finland’s technological prowess and China’s expansive market have fostered a mutually beneficial economic relationship. Historically, China has remained Finland’s largest trading partner in Asia for over a decade, with significant trade in technology, clean energy, and bio-economy.
The Presidents also had a thorough discussion on the global geopolitical situation and the importance of great power relations. President Niinistö raised the issue of the war in Ukraine and its wider consequences. Niinistö stressed the role of China in achieving a just and lasting peace.
The Presidents agreed on the importance of genuine, constructive and cross-regional dialogue in solving and preventing global problems.
The need to combat climate change and the cooperation in matter were also discussed. The Presidents also spoke about the EU-China relations, including recent developments and challenges.
President Niinistö thanked President Xi Jinping for the many important and candid bilateral discussions over the years and hoped that the high-level dialogue between the two countries will continue.
This will most probably be Niinistö’s last conversation with Xi as the head of state. Presidential elections are to be held in Finland this month and a replacement to take office is to be elected soon.
This high-level exchange is part of a continuum in the Finland-China diplomatic narrative. President Xi’s visitedFinland in 2017 as head of state when he met both President Niinistö and prime minister Juha Sipilä. Xi’s previous visits have been instrumental in strengthening the political and economic ties between the two countries. Finland’s centenary year and its role in the Nordic Council have been pivotal in enhancing these relations.
The President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Mrs Jenni Haukio also made a state visit to China on 14-15 January 2019. During the visit, a joint action plan for the bilateral partnership between Finland and China was also published. The action plan concretizes the new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China that was announced on the state visit to Finland by the President of China in April 2017.
Before his visit to Finland, in an exclusive letter to the Helsinki Times, president Xi praised the Finnish nature and the “sisu” spirit of the Finnish people: “I have been to Finland twice before. Your scenic and unspoiled lakes and forests, your development philosophy that values diligence and innovation, and your kind and honest people all left me fond memories. Finland lies at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations. Throughout the centuries, the Finns, with their “sisu” spirit, have forged ahead despite many vicissitudes and made remarkable achievements in national independence and prosperity. This country is home to the great composer Jean Sibelius and the well-regarded Linux operating system. It also has one of the highest rankings on the World Happiness Index and the Corruption Perceptions Index.”
He also thanked Finland for being one of few western countries “that actively supported the restoration of China’s lawful seat at the United Nations.”
Finland-China trade relationship has been evolving from modest beginnings in the 1950s to a dynamic and multifaceted economic partnership. Trade volumes have seen a significant increase, with Finland diversifying its exports to include sophisticated products like machinery, high-tech goods, and environmental technologies, while importing a variety of Chinese products, notably electronics and textiles. This growth in trade is accompanied by a rise in Chinese investments in key Finnish sectors such as technology and renewable energy, and a parallel increase in Finnish investments in China. This economic complementarity, underscored by cooperation in areas like technological innovation, energy conservation, and environmental protection, continues to adapt to global economic shifts, presenting both challenges and opportunities for future expansion and deepened collaboration.
HT
- Next Article Opposition says government abandoned citizens amid electricity price spike
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
