国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president discusses co-op with Finnish president

HELSINKI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks here with Finnish President Tarja Halonen on efforts to further cooperative relations.

Xi conveyed greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao to the Finnish president and said his visit aimed to boost bilateral ties to a new high on the basis of achievements made since diplomatic relations were established 60 years ago.

Xi said Finland was one of the first Western countries that established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, adding that the development of the relations was won by the hard work of several generations of leaders from both sides.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with Finnish President Tarja Halonen in Helsinki, Finland, March 26, 2010

He said bilateral ties have weathered various tests and enjoy stable development because the two sides stick to principles including equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns.