Premier Wen Jiabao met in Dalian on Thursday with Finnish President Tarja Halonen who came to attend the summer meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in China's northeastern port city of Dalian.

Wen appreciated the efforts Finland had made in cementing China-Europe relations during its rotating presidency of the European Union last year. He expected Finland would continue to actively push forward China-Europe relations.

Regarding Finland as China's important partner in northern Europe, Wen told Halonen that China is ready to learn more from Finland in energy saving, environmental protection and technological innovation.

He also called for the two countries to expand exchanges and cooperation in social insurance as well as employment security.

Halonen extended congratulations on the convening of the WEF summer meeting in Dalian, stressing the great importance of China's participation in global issues.

Hailing the great potential of Finland-China cooperation, Halonen said her country expected to step up long-term cooperation with China. She also vowed to work closely with China to further strengthen relations between Europe and China as well as the whole Asia.

The summer meeting, namely Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions, is held from Sept. 6 to 8. More than 1,700 participants from around the world will hold in-depth discussions on newly emerging businesses and nations.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2007)