China is willing to strengthen its parliamentary exchanges with Finland, a senior legislator said in Beijing Tuesday.

Xu Jialu, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC)Standing Committee, made the remark when meeting with a Finnish parliamentary delegation headed by Liisa Jaakonsaari, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Finnish parliament.

The two sides exchanged views on Sino-Finnish parliamentary exchanges.

Xu said the NPC is ready to maintain close exchanges and cooperation with the Finnish parliament among various levels, increase understanding and trust between the two peoples, and make contribution to promoting the all-round development of Sino-Finnish friendly cooperative ties.

The Finnish guests are here at the invitation of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2005)