Hu meets Finnish President

Finland's President Tarja Halonen (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 23, 2008. [Agencies]

In the meeting with Finnish President Tarja Halonen, Hu applauded the stable and healthy development of the Sino-Finnish relations since the two nations established diplomatic relationship 58 years ago.

History proved that Finland was a good friend and partner that China could trust in. Further more in recent years, the political mutual-trust of the two nations had been enhanced with the increasing contacts between leaders of the two countries, said Hu.

The President said the two countries had conducted effective cooperation in trade, telecom, paper-making, energy-saving and environment protection.

China would like to strengthen cooperation with Finland on international affairs and push forward the development of the Sino-Finnish relations in the economic globalization, he said.

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.

Finland was willing to share its experience with China on waste water processing and recycling, and renewable sources of energy, said Halonen.

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. 

Finland is the host of the sixth ASEM in 2006. The Beijing Summit will be the first gathering for leaders of ASEM members since the body's enlargement to 45 members in 2006.