The discussions include the relations between China and Finland and the war in Ukraine. Stubb has previously said that China is crucial to the continuation of the war in Ukraine.
11:30•Updated 11:32
President of the Republic Alexander Stubb has met the president of China Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The Asia correspondent will follow the meeting on the spot Mika Hentunen According to Stubb, in his opening speech, Russia was highlighted.
– We expect a direct and fair discussion about our common neighbor, Stubb said.
According to Hentunen, Xi was hospitable and polite during the meeting. He reminded that he last visited Finland in 2017 and that he was impressed by the country.
– We have a lot in common and we can do a lot to promote world peace, Xi said at the beginning of the meeting.
It was the first time in five years that the top management of Finland and China met face to face.
Before the meeting, the Office of the President of the Republic said that the bilateral relations between Finland and China, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and other current security policy and international issues would be discussed in the discussions.
Stubb has made it clear that he considers the importance of China to be decisive for the continuation of the war in Ukraine. He stated in the summer that Xi could resolve the conflict in Ukraine with one phone call.
Stubb will hold a press conference starting at 2 p.m., where he will tell more about his meeting with Xi.
During the visit, in addition to Xi, Stubb will meet, among others, the Vice President of China Han Zheng’sPrime Minister Li Qiang’s and Speaker of the People’s Congress Zhao Lejin.
In this morning’s meeting with Zhao, Stubb brought up Russia.
– Although we disagree on issues related to Russia in many ways, it is our common neighbor. I look forward to our conversation, he stated as he shook Zhao’s hand.
President Xi and his spouse Peng Liyuan received the presidential couple at the Chinese Parliament House. At the end of the day, President Xi and his spouses hosted a gala dinner.
Read Asia correspondent Mika Hentunen’s analysis of the significance of Stubb’s visit to China here: Stubb said China’s Xi could resolve the Ukraine conflict with one phone call — now the presidents are meeting
Stubb is on a state visit to China from 28 to 31. October together with his spouse By Suzanne Innes-Stubb with.
The previous state visit to China took place in 2019, when the president of the republic Sauli Niinistö visiting his spouse Jenni Haukion with in China.
Before this, President Xi and his spouse Peng Liyuan visited Finland in 2017.
China and Finland start cooperation in the circular economy
The Minister of Environment and Climate will also participate in the four-day visit Kai MykkänenMinister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari EssayahMinister of Foreign Affairs Elina ValtonenMember of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliament’s China Friendship Group Ville Skinnari and Member of Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the Parliament’s China Friendship Group Sakari Park.
In addition, according to the presidential office, the party includes a business delegation with representatives from a wide range of business sectors.
Yesterday, Mykkänen visited the Chaoyang waste treatment plant, which is the largest in Beijing and one of the most modern in the world. It serves five million inhabitants.
During the visit, Finland and China talked about their intentions to increase cooperation in connection with the green transition and the circular economy.
The article is being updated.