The first Finland research center was established at the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Thursday, Nov.1.
BFSU President Hao Ping said the establishment of the center will promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Finland. He said the center will study the politics, economy and culture of Finland, translate and publish modern literary works of Finland, and offer language training.
"The center will also strengthen cooperation with Finnish educational institutions and promote academic exchanges between the two sides through academic visits and forums," he said, and expressed his hope "these exchanges will also facilitate cooperation between companies of the two sides".
Finnish Ambassador to China Antti Kuosmanen said the center will greatly promote exchanges between Finland and China. BFSU is the first university to offer Finnish training in China, and established the language study of Finnish as a specialty in 2002.
Synocus’ comment: Almost five years ago, there was no place in China offering Finnish language study. Now Finland and China get closer to each other. These two countries have scope to cooperate together and benefit from the harmonious relationship. On Nov.1 Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen met a visiting top official of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and both sides voiced readiness to enhance bilateral ties.