Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met in Beijing Friday with a group of Finnish guests.

The guests were Olli-Pekka Heinonen, minister of communication, Kalevi Hemila, minister of agriculture, Tapani Erling, director general of National Customs of Finland, and Finnish entrepreneurs.

Zhu welcome Finnish guests to China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Finland.

He said that Sino-Finnish relations have developed smoothly in the face of great changes around the world.

The leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contacts, he said, adding that he met with Finnish President Tarja Halonen at the Asian-Europe Meeting (ASEM), where China and Finland raised a proposal on forest protection and sustainable development, which was also supported by other participants.

He said that Sino-Finnish trade relations have developed rapidly, and that bilateral cooperation in scientific, cultural and legal fields has been vigorous.

Zhu noted that China has valued its relations with Finland, and he voiced his hope that the two countries will make joint efforts to push forward the relationship to a new stage.

Heinonen said that Finland has attached great importance to the friendly relations with China, and is ready to strengthen the mutual cooperation in the fields of information industry, high technology, environmental protection and the forest industry, so as to promote the friendship of the two countries.

The Finnish entrepreneurs expressed their willingness to expand investment in China, and expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

(Xinhua 10/27/2000)