On the afternoon of January 10, 2024, President Xi Jinping held a video meeting with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö.

Xi Jinping noted that Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and has long adhered to a friendly policy toward China. President Sauli Niinistö in particular has been actively committed to promoting Finland's practical cooperation with China and friendly exchanges in various fields, which he appreciates. Xi said, in recent years, China-Finland relations have maintained steady development, and bilateral cooperation in forest industry, agricultural and food products, information and communications, energy, environmental protection, science and technology, education, winter sports and other fields has kept deepening, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, about which he feels glad.

Xi Jinping stressed that China-Finland relations have always maintained a good momentum of development, and the fundamental reason is that both sides uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation. China is now building a strong country and advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, and is firmly committed to an independent foreign policy of peace. China is ready to share development opportunities with Finland, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership, strengthen coordination in international affairs, jointly advocate multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and make positive contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting the modernization of all countries in the world. Noting that the strategic significance and global influence of China-EU relations have become more prominent amid the current turbulent international situation, Xi said China is ready to work with Finland and other European countries to keep viewing each other from a strategic and long-term perspective, safeguard and develop China-EU relations, and achieve common development.

Sauli Niinistö said, he still has vivid memories of President Xi Jinping's two visits to Finland and his visit to China, and all the previous exchanges have left a deep impression on him. He said he was glad that the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China, which they jointly announced, has maintained a sound momentum of development and achieved positive results in cooperation in various fields. The two sides also carried out sound cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that China's development has made remarkable achievements and the living standards of the Chinese people are constantly improving, he expressed Finland's willingness to further tap potential with China to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and constantly promote new development of Finland-China and EU-China relations. Finland is ready to communicate closely with China in international and regional affairs, and jointly cope with global challenges.

The two heads of state also exchanged New Year greetings. Sauli Niinistö wishes the Chinese people a happy New Year and all the best.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.