Diplomats Call for Multilateralism Amid Rising Challenges
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis reaffirmed their commitment to defending the global trade order during high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday. The meeting marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Economic Stability in Focus
Wang emphasized China and Switzerland's shared responsibility as "staunch supporters of multilateralism" to counter anti-globalization trends. "We must never allow the law of the jungle to reign again," he stated, advocating for accelerated negotiations to upgrade their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) initially signed in 2013.
Cultivating Innovation and Cultural Bonds
The diplomats agreed to launch a "China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism" and expand cooperation in science and education. Cassis noted Switzerland's "holistic and strategic" approach to relations, pledging to maintain open business environments for cross-border investments.
Global Governance Collaboration
Both ministers addressed international challenges including the Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions. Wang welcomed Swiss contributions to maintaining the rules-based global order, while Cassis acknowledged China\u2019s growing role in multilateral institutions.
