BEIJING, Dec. 9 -- Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said here Monday that China and Finland should jointly explore new growth areas of bilateral cooperation.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remark while meeting a delegation from the Finnish Parliament's Committee for the Future, headed by its chairwoman Paivi Lipponen.

Yu said the two countries should identify areas where their economies are complimentary to each other. He also expressed hope that China and Finland would seek cooperation in green industry, innovation and sustainable growth to develop "an upgraded version" of bilateral cooperation.

Yu said 2013 is of special significance for China-Finland relations.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto visited China in April. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Niinisto agreed to develop a new type of cooperative partnership.

Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Parliament Speaker Eero Heinaluoma also visited China this year.

Yu paid a visit to Finland in June.

Yu said China regards Finland as an important partner and reliable friend in Europe.

Lipponen is in Beijing to attend a clean technology seminar that the Finnish future committee jointly held with the CPPCC Committee of Population, Resources and Environment.

Lipponen said the Finnish side is ready to exchange views with China on environmental protection and sustainable growth. She said the two sides will share their experience in green growth and work together to address pollution and other global environmental issues.