Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are welcomed by Finnish Minister of Agriculture and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen at the airport upon their arrival in Helsinki, Finland, April 4, 2017. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Tuesday for a state visit to Finland. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Helsinki on Tuesday for a state visit to Finland aimed at advancing bilateral ties, increasing political mutual trust and expanding substantial cooperation. [Special coverage]
It is the first visit by a Chinese head of state to this Nordic country in 22 years.
The host country dispatched two fighter jets to escort Xi's plane after it entered Finland's airspace.
In a written speech delivered at the airport upon arrival, President Xi first extended congratulations to the Finnish government and people as this year marks the centenary of Finland's independence.
"Since China and Finland established diplomatic ties 67 years ago, our relationship has maintained a steady and sound development no matter how the international landscape changes," Xi said.
"Our relationship has become a model of friendly co-existence and mutually-beneficial cooperation between countries that are different in population and size, history and culture, social system and development level," he noted.
Xi said he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with Finnish leaders on the China-Finland relationship and other issues of mutual concern, thus charting the course for the future development of the bilateral relations.
"I believe that with concerted efforts of both sides, my visit will achieve a complete success," he added.
During his stay in Helsinki, Xi will hold talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, and meet with Prime Minister Juha Sipila and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Maria Lohela.
