HELSINKI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Finland and Uruguay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the bioeconomy in Helsinki, said the Finnish government on Monday.
The MoU includes topics related to the development of the use of biomass into energy, biomaterials and mechanical wood processing industry, in order to enhance the sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity, as well as water protection and monitoring.
Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez is making a two-day visit to Finland on Monday and Tuesday. The signing of the memorandum of understanding was on the top agenda of his visit.
The Finnish government said that the cooperation with Uruguay may offer increasing opportunities for the Finnish export of machinery and equipment, consultation tasks as well as different kinds of research projects.
Vazquez met Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Monday.
At the press conference held after the meeting, Niinisto said the world is facing different challenges, for example, in the EU, the Brexit and the aftermath of the financial crisis. Similarly, in South America, the Mercosur bloc which aims to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people and currency, has been in trouble.
He emphasized that both Finland and Uruguay's relations with the United States are important. "Particular concern is the rise of protectionist ideas," he stressed.
Vazquez suggested that the fraternal union between different countries fighting against discriminations and respecting social aspects is the only way to improve humanity.
Both the two presidents stressed the close economic ties between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum of understanding.
Niinisto said he believed that the investment would benefit both Uruguay and Finland.
"We are looking for solutions to the unsolved issues. We have high hopes that this investment can be realized, " said Vazquez.
President Vazquez is accompanied on his visit to Finland by several ministers of the Uruguayan cabinet and a business delegation, aiming to promote the economic and trade cooperation with Finland.
During his visit, Vazquez will also meet the speaker of the Finnish parliament and the Finnish prime minister.
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