On the evening of April 5, 2017 local time, President Xi Jinping and President Sauli Niinisto of Finland jointly met in Helsinki with representatives of winter sports athletes of the two countries who have just attended the World Figure Skating Championships 2017.

Xi Jinping's wife, Mme. Peng Liyuan and President Sauli Niinisto's wife, Mme. Jenni Haukio were present.

The two heads of state warmly talked with the representatives of the Chinese and Finnish athletes, and took a group photo to mark the occasion. Xi Jinping congratulated Finland on successfully hosting the World Figure Skating Championships 2017 and the outstanding performance of both countries' athletes. Xi Jinping stressed that sports exchange is a bridge to promote China-Finland friendship. Finland is one of the birthplaces of winter sports and excels in this activity, from which China has a lot to learn. In recent years, the two countries have carried out a lot of cooperation in winter sports. Both sides should take the opportunity of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in winter sports, so as to promote respective sports development as well as the health of the two peoples.

Sauli Niinisto said that he is glad to meet the representatives of the Finnish and Chinese winter sports athletes together with President Xi Jinping. Finland is a country where winter sports are very popular and has successful experience in winter sports and games preparations. Finland is willing to share the experience and deepen cooperation in winter sports with China. Finland supports China in hosting a successful Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

The World Figure Skating Championships 2017 ran from March 29 to April 2 in Helsinki.