Chinese premier meets Latvian president, Finnish PM

MILAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Latvian President Andris Berzins and Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, respectively, in Milan on Friday.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 10th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held here from Thursday to Friday.

While meeting with Berzins, Li conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to him. Hailing the progress of bilateral ties over the years, Li called for joint efforts to maintain sound momentum of China-Latvia relations and expand cooperation in such areas as high-speed railway,agricultural products processing and cultural exchanges.

Latvia will hold the European Union (EU) rotating presidency in the first half of next year. Li said China hopes to work closely with the country to promote stable growth of China-EU ties.

The Chinese premier hoped Latvia to play a larger role in boosting China-EU ties as well as cooperation between China and Central and East European countries (CEEC).

Speaking highly of cooperation with China in such areas as economy, trade and culture, Berzins vowed stronger ties with China and positive participation in CEEC-China cooperation as well as in the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

While meeting with Stubb, Li urged both countries to expand two-way trade and cooperation in technological innovation, environmental protection and information communications.

As next year marks the 65th anniversary of China-Finland diplomatic ties, Li urged to nail down blueprint for future high-level cooperation.

China appreciates Finland's open attitude for China's participation in the Arctic cooperation, he said, vowing to keep close coordination with the country in international and regional affairs.

Li told Stubb China attaches great importance to its ties with the EU, calling on Finland's continued efforts to promote China-EU ties.

Stubb, for his part, spoke highly of China's achievements in its reform and opening-up as well as its rapid economic growth.

Finland values its relations with China, he said, vowing to facilitate bilateral cooperation in such areas as technology, communication, clean energy and clean technology.

The Chinese premier will wrap up his three-nation Europe trip later on Friday and leave for home.