Full coverage: President Xi Visits Finland, Meets Trump in U.S.

President Xi and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto made a joint statement at Finland's presidential palace in Helsinki. Officials from the two sides signed a host of cooperative deals, a symbol of deepening ties and expanding cooperation.

Time to rekindle a long-time friendship.

The high-level Chinese delegation was greeted at the Finnish presidential palace.

It’s the second state visit to the Nordic nation by a Chinese president since diplomatic ties were established in 1950.

President Xi’s trip to Finland aims to promote the two countries' cooperation and economic ties…

"The two sides will step up efforts to synergize their economic development strategies, and expand cooperation in such areas as innovation-driven development, green development and coordinated development. The two sides stand ready to explore cooperation under the framework of China's 'Belt and Road Initiative', and jointly promote the connectivity of the Eurasian continent," Xi said.
 
At a time when de-globalization sentiment is running high and European integration is under threat, it is believed that better relations with Finland will contribute to China's cooperation with Europe, and shows China's full support for globalization and European integration.

The two sides agreed to improve cooperation on the development of high-tech technologies, especially those that increase  efficiency in the use of energy and environmental protection.

The two leaders also reached agreements on bilateral investment, climate change, scientific cooperation in the use of resources in the Arctic region, and people-to-people exchanges.

"With regard to the relationship between the EU and China, we have noticed China's strong support for European integration. At the same time, an effective and dynamic EU is also in line with the interests of our partners. Through cooperation, the EU and China can get good results in many international issues," said Sauli Niinisto, Finnish president.

Finland is welcome to take an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative, noted President Xi in an article published in the Finnish newspaper Helsinki Times prior to his visit, adding that "China and Finland have a shared responsibility to uphold openness" and make new contributions to global peace and prosperity.

The visit is expected to herald a closer partnership, and China's cooperation with Finland will be a beacon for the rest of Europe.