On the afternoon of April 8, 2013, Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People.

Yu pointed out Finland is one of China's important European partners and the two countries have conducted cooperation in wide-ranging areas. Bilateral cooperation has been expanding, especially in the emerging fields of energy conservation, environmental protection, technology and innovation. Finland has advanced technology and experience in the field of sustainable development and these advantages may fit in for China's development needs. There is great potential for cooperation between the two sides, he added. Yu noted that the agreement reached between Niinisto and Chinese President Xi Jinping to build a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership has pointed out the direction for the future development of bilateral relations. "The CPPCC is ready to maintain regular exchanges with the Finnish parliament and various social sectors to exchange experiences in state governance in an aim to raise bilateral ties to a higher level," Yu said.

Niinisto said China's efforts to realize "the Chinese dream" will benefit countries throughout the world, including Finland, and the two countries have wide space for cooperation on clean technology and urbanization. He added his country is looking forward to furthering bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation.