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

"We aspire to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as trade and economy, science and technology, jurisdiction, energy saving and social security, so as to further bilateral relations," the president said.

During their talks, the two leaders also touched upon such issues as climate change and Sino-European Union ties.

The Chinese vice president explained to his hostess about China's stance on the issue of climate change and about China's efforts made to facilitate the continuation of the negotiations started at the Copenhagen conference.

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

"China attaches great significance to its relations with the European Union," Xi said, "China is willing and prepared to work with the European Union to further bilateral relations through promoting mutual trust and deepening cooperation."

The Chinese vice president is currently on a European tour that already has taken him to Russia and Belarus. He is also scheduled to visit Sweden.