On April 20, 2004, Finnish President Tarja Halonen held a cordial meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing at the presidential palace.

Halonen said that during his last visit to China he reached extensive consensuses with Chinese leaders concerning deepening Finland-China relations. Currently the two countries have closer relations and fruitful cooperation. Finland appreciates the important role China plays in international affairs and will adhere to the one-China policy and further develop the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Li said that the China and Finland have political relations of mutual trust, mutually-beneficial economic cooperation, and active exchanges in science, education and culture. The two countries have also maintained consultation and coordination in international affairs. The Chinese side cherishes China-Finland friendship with a belief that the prospects for cooperation between the two countries are extensive. Both sides also stressed the need to make joint efforts to enhance Asia-Europe cooperation.

On the same day, Li Zhaoxing held talks with Foreign Minister of Finland Erkki Tuomioja. The two sides agreed to bring their relations closer through more frequent exchanges of top-level visits and visits at other levels, expand cooperation in economy, trade and other areas, and enhance bilateral cooperation within the framework of China-EU relations. Li made an introduction to the domestic situation of China. Erkki Tuomioja complimented achievements made by China in economic development and development in its democratic and legal system. The two sides also exchanged views on issues including globalization, environmental protection, counter-terrorism, and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. After the talks, the two foreign ministers unveiled at a joint news conference.