Reply Delivered upon Accepting the Letters of Credence Presented by Mr. Sundström, the Newly Appointed Finnish Minister to China (December 2, 1953) Mr. Minister: It gives me great pleasure to accept the letters of credence from the President of the Republic of Finland, which you have presented. I also express my gratitude for the congratulations conveyed by the President to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, as well as to myself personally. Over the past three years and more, the friendly cooperative relations between China and Finland in the economic and cultural spheres have made remarkable progress. I am confident that, with your efforts, the friendly ties between our two countries will continue to grow ever closer on the basis already established. Such an enhancement of our friendship will not only further consolidate the bonds between our peoples but will also contribute to the cause of world peace, for which the peoples of the entire world are striving. I warmly welcome Your Excellency to your post as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the People’s Republic of China. In your work to strengthen friendly cooperation between China and Finland, you may always count on my support and that of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. I sincerely wish you every success in your mission. Printed according to the edition published in the People’s Daily on December 3, 1953. 3£¹