On October 23, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met at the Great Hall of the People with Finnish President Tarja Halonen who is here to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held on Oct. 24 to 25.

Hu applauded the stable and healthy development of the Sino-Finnish relations since the two nations established diplomatic relationship 58 years ago. The two peoples have always held friendly feelings towards each other. Further more in recent years, the political mutual-trust of the two nations had been enhanced with fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, telecommunications, paper-making, energy conservation and environmental protection. History proved that Finland was a good friend and partner that China could trust in. China cherishes ties with Finland and would like to strengthen cooperation with Finland on international affairs and push forward the sustained, in-depth development of the Sino-Finnish relations, so as to achieve mutual benefit and a win-win situation for the benefit of both peoples in the economic globalization, he said.

Halonen said Finland and China share a lot of common interests and both sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in all areas. Finland was willing to share its experience with China on wastewater processing and recycling, and renewable sources of energy, said Halonen. Commenting on the current global financial crisis, Halonen said China had played a constructive role in the development of world economy and had given important support to the global response to the crisis. It also hoped to further cooperate with China on strengthening the function of the United Nations, promoting the development of Africa and climate changes, she said.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.