On October 16th, 2019, Zhang Xu, vice minister of Culture and Tourism, met with Hanna Kosone, Finnish minister of Education and Culture, and his delegation. Zhang Xu said that two countries have seen new progress in cultural relations in 2019 as Finland is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China. In front of the heads of two countries, they signed a memorandum of understanding between China and Finland on cultural and tourism cooperation which serves as a guidance for enhancing exchanges and cooperation in culture and tourism. It is hoped that both sides will further strengthen policy communication and deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture and art, creative design, sports tourism and smart tourism. The upcoming China Cultural Center in Helsinki will become a new platform for exchanges and collaboration which will be of great importance in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship. China is willing to work together with Finland to support colorful exchanging projects of culture and tourism so as to develop friendly ties between two countries.
Minister Hanna Kosonen expressed that culture plays an important role in developing individual skills, building identity recognition, fostering innovative ability, increasing sense of happiness, as well as pushing forward social diversity, inclusiveness and sustainable development, and enhancing mutual trust. It was great pleasure to set up China Cultural Center in Helsinki. Meanwhile, Finland agreed upon China’s proposal and will hold various celebrations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Finland in 2020.
After the meeting, both sides signed Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Finland on the Establishment of China Cultural Center in Finland.