Li Zhanshu (R), chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- On Tuesday, Chinese top legislator Li Zhanshu met with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.
Li, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Finland have adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation, becoming a model of peaceful coexistence and friendly exchanges between countries of different cultures, sizes and development levels.
He said China stands ready to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation to a new level.
The NPC is willing to intensify exchanges with the Parliament of Finland at various levels to promote cooperation in economy and trade, innovation, environmental protection and winter sports, said the top legislator.
Niinisto said he expects to advance the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China to yield more practical results through the visit.
Finland is ready to help China in hosting a successful 2022 Winter Olympic Games, he said.
Li Zhanshu (1st R), chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)