In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Swiss officials on Monday and Tuesday during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025. The two nations pledged to further promote their innovative strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in China-Switzerland relations.
Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held discussions with Karin Keller-Sutter, president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Finance, and Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.
During the meetings, Ding highlighted Switzerland's early recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, noting that their relationship exemplifies mutual respect and win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems and development stages. He recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Switzerland in 2017, which elevated bilateral ties to new heights.
As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, Ding urged both sides to deepen political mutual trust and carry forward the spirit of \"equality, innovation, and win-win\" cooperation. He called for accelerating negotiations to upgrade the free trade agreement and strengthening collaboration in innovation, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and green technology.
\"We should strengthen cooperation on innovation, jointly explore and promote the development of life sciences, artificial intelligence, and green technology, and foster new growth areas for practical cooperation,\" Ding emphasized.
He also highlighted Switzerland's unique role as a permanently neutral country and host to many international organizations, expressing China's willingness to maintain communication on multilateral affairs and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Karin Keller-Sutter expressed Switzerland's commitment to advancing the innovative strategic partnership. \"Switzerland cherishes its friendship with China and is willing to work together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Switzerland-China Year of Culture and Tourism,\" she said.
Guy Parmelin echoed the sentiment, noting the complementary economic advantages and vast potential for cooperation in innovation, finance, higher education, and vocational training. Switzerland is ready to strengthen communication on multilateral affairs and jointly tackle global challenges, he stated.
The meetings concluded with both sides agreeing to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and enhance bilateral friendship, setting the stage for a strengthened partnership that promises mutual benefits and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
China, Switzerland vow to further promote strategic partnership
cgtn.com
