Finnish President Tarja Halonen said in Helsinki Tuesday that her country will continue to follow the one-China policy and further develop the friendly cooperation with the Asian country.  

The two countries are currently enjoying good relations, which have resulted in fruitful cooperation, said Halonen while meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing who is here for a visit.

Recalling her last visit to China in November 2002, Halonen said, "Chinese leaders and I reached an extensive consensus on how to deepen the bilateral ties."

Li noted that the two countries have carried out political, economic and cultural exchanges on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, they have also conducted consultation and coordination on international affairs.

China appreciates its friendship with Finland and hopes for more cooperation with the Nordic country in the future, Li added.

During the talks, the two officials also agreed to make joint efforts to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Asia.

Li also met with his Finnish counterpart, Erkki Tuomioja, on Tuesday and the two discussed issues concerning their two countries' relations and cooperation, economic globalization, the fight against terrorism, the environment and the Korean Peninsula.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2004)