Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) is greeted upon his arrival at the airport of Helsinki, Finland, June 25, 2009. Li Keqiang started an official visit to Finland on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    HELSINKI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday that China seeks to cooperate with Finland in dealing with the ongoing global financial crisis and boost bilateral relations between the two nations.

    "China attaches great importance to its relations with Finland and will continue to make joint efforts with Finland to promote bilateral relations," Li said in a written speech after arriving in the north European nation for a three-day official visit.

    He said the steadily developing cooperation between China and Finland has withstood the test of time and the changing international situation.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) is greeted upon his arrival at the airport of Helsinki, Finland, June 25, 2009. Li Keqiang started an official visit to Finland on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    China, Li said, also will seek to deepen its cooperation with Finland in dealing with the ongoing global financial crisis.

    "Under the circumstances of the international financial crisis, I look forward to reviewing with Finish leaders the friendship we have, and planning the future development of Sino-Finnish relations," Li said.

    The vice premier said he also looked forward to "exploring new ideas and new ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthening the confidence to tackle the financial crisis together and exchanging views on major international and regional issues."

    Finland is the second leg of Li's three-nation tour. He left Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat on Thursday after a three-day visit to the Central Asian country. The Chinese leader will also visit Uzbekistan.

    During his stay in Finland, Li was to hold talks with Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and President Tarja Halonen.

    "I am confident that this visit will enhance friendship, increase mutual trust, strengthen confidence and deepen cooperation between China and Finland," Li said.