On November 10th, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Finland in Beijing jointly held a reception for the 65th anniversary of China-Finland diplomatic relations at the Great Hall of the People. Mr Luo Fuhe, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, Ms Maria Lohela, Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Foreign Minister, Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Ms Marja Rislakki, Finnish Ambassador to China, together with over 200 guests from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture, General Administration of Customs, the delegation from the Parliament of Finland, diplomats from the Embassy of Finland, and representatives from all sectors attended the reception. Vice President of the CPAFFC Song Jingwu and Speaker of Parliament Lohela delivered speeches.

Song said in his speech that Finland was one of the first western countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China, and the very first western country to sign bilateral trade agreement with China. At present, China and Finland have reaped rich fruits in practical cooperation, and carried out vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The CPAFFC is willing to take the 65th anniversary of China-Finland diplomatic ties as an opportunity to work with Finland, expand and deepen cooperation in all fields, and contribute to the building of a new type of future-oriented cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Lohela said that Finland and China share many common interests, and there is potential for even greater bilateral relationship. People-to-people exchanges and interaction form the foundation for all cooperation. Finland is willing to host more people-to-people and cultural exchanges with China to push forward China-Finland bilateral relations.

Before the reception, Vice Chairman Luo Fuhe held a meeting with Speaker of Parliament Lohela, Ambassador Rislakki and other guests.