Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Helsinki, capital of Finland on Saturday, kicking off his four-nation tour.

During his stay in Helsinki, Wen is scheduled to attend the 9th China-EU Summit and the 6th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). He will also pay an official visit to Finland at the invitation of Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.

In a written statement upon arrival at the airport, Wen noted that the 6th ASEM Summit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ASEM. "I look forward to in-depth exchanges of views with leaders from Asia and Europe on ways to increase dialogue and cooperation under new circumstances and work together with them to strengthen the new-type Asia-Europe comprehensive partnership and build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity," he said.

The China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership is growing and expanding steadily, he said, adding that bilateral cooperation is deepening. "I am convinced that this China-EU Summit will inject new vitality into China-EU relations," he said.

China and Finland are trustworthy partners, Wen said. There exists a strong bond of friendship between the two peoples and the bilateral cooperation has been steadily enhanced, he said.

China is ready to further boost its friendly relations and cooperation with Finland in various areas on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Finland is the first-leg of Wen's visit. He will also visit Britain, Germany and Central Asia's Tajikistan.

Wen will also attend the 5th Meeting of Prime Ministers of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), due to be held in Tajikistan's capital of Dushanbe.

Source: Xinhua