China's Xi calls for cooperation with Finland in emerging industries

By AJP Posted : November 1, 2024, 14:12 Updated : November 1, 2024, 14:12
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosts a welcoming ceremony for Finnish President Alexander Stubb who is on a state visit to China in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing China on Oct 29 2024 Xinhua-Yonhap
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) walks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Oct. 29, 2024. Xinhua-Yonhap
SEOUL, November 1 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is on a state visit to China, early this week. During their talks on Tuesday, Xi invited Finland to engage in China's modernization initiatives and expand cooperation in emerging sectors.

Xi emphasized the importance of collaboration in areas like green transformation, information technology, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy, with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial partnership. He encouraged continued cooperation with Finland in the face of global challenges.

China expressed a desire to increase cultural and educational exchanges with Finland and announced a visa-free policy for Finnish visitors. Xi emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to peace, multilateralism, and free trade and expressed interest in working with Finland on global issues like climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, and AI governance.

Next year marks 50 years of China-EU relations, and Xi urged Finland to play an active role in promoting stable ties between China and the EU. Stubb, visiting China shortly after assuming office, expressed appreciation for China's achievements and reaffirmed Finland's one-China policy. He pledged to celebrate 75 years of China-Finland diplomatic relations next year and committed to deepening cooperation in trade, green energy, and sustainability.

Stubb acknowledged the close interdependence of EU-China economies, highlighting that "decoupling" or a "new Cold War" is undesirable. The leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine crisis, with Xi reiterating China's commitment to promoting peaceful solutions.

Following their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several agreements on cooperation in education, environmental protection, water resources, circular economy, and agriculture. They also issued a joint action plan to advance their partnership from 2025 to 2029.
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