On the afternoon of April 20, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met at the Great Hall of the People with Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, who is here for an official visit.

Hu said relations between China and Finland had withstood changes in the international situation and had shown stable development over the past 59 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. In the new century, frequent exchanges of leadership visits have improved political relations between the two sides and their economic and trade cooperation has been pragmatic and diversified with remarkable results scored in all areas, Hu added. Hailing bilateral coordination in international and regional affairs, Hu said China appreciated Finland's adherence to the one-China policy and its support for the development of China-EU relations.

Hu said China and Finland had identical or similar views and broad common interest on safeguarding world peace and advancing common prosperity. "Finland views China's development as an opportunity and advocates the comprehensive enhancement of bilateral ties, and China views Finland as a reliable friend and partner," Hu said. He said China would work with Finland to maintain high-level exchanges, promote political dialogue and consultation and deepen substantial cooperation in all areas. China is also ready to work with Finland to cope with all global challenges based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and common development, in a bid to jointly push China-Finland reliable partnership of friendly cooperation to a higher level.

Vanhanen applauded the sound political relations, dynamic high-level and non-governmental exchanges and fruitful cooperation on economy, science and technology, culture and education, adding that the two countries have been learning from each other. He said Finland appreciated China's important role in the United Nations, as well as its contribution to overcoming the impact of the international financial crisis and revitalizing the world economy. He also expressed gratitude for China's support for Nordic countries' participation in international affairs, pledging to boost cooperation with China. Finland is ready to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity to comprehensively enhance cooperation with China and further lift the level of bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials attended the meeting.