Economy and environment discussed during the visit of the Chinese Vice President

Mr Xi Jinping, the Vice President of China, and President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Mr Xi Jinping, the Vice President of China, made an official visit to Finland on 25-27 March 2010 at the invitation of President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. President Halonen received Vice President Xi at the Presidential Palace on Friday, 26 March. The programme included official discussions and a working lunch. 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and China. In the official discussions, the relations between Finland and China were noted to be excellent. Also on the agenda were economy and, in this connection, environmental issues as well as international topics.

At the meeting, Vice President Xi Jinping briefed President Halonen on the development of the Chinese society. Social welfare – the widening of the income differences and preparing of the aging of the population – were discussed.

The Vice President also welcomed President Halonen to the Shanghai EXPO in May 2010.

Vice President Xi Jinping was accompanied by a large business delegation. In the Hall of Mirrors of the Presidential Palace, 11 memorandums and business contracts were signed.

Vice President Xi also met with Speaker of Parliament Sauli Niinistö and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen. In addition, he took a trip to Rovaniemi with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. 

In the Hall of Mirrors of the Presidential Palace, 11 memorandums and business contracts were signed.