On the evening of January 6, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with Finnish Foreign Minister Vartonen at the latter’s request. Wang Yi stated that the main theme of China-EU relations should be cooperation, and that the correct characterization of the relationship should be that of partners. He expressed hope that Finland, as an important member of the EU, would play a positive role in promoting a rational and objective understanding of China within the EU, resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, actively considering strengthening the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative, resuming the ratification process for the China-EU Investment Agreement, and actively exploring the negotiation and signing of a China-EU Free Trade Agreement. (Xinhua News Agency)