China Grants Visa-Free Access to Swiss Citizens Ahead of Diplomatic Milestone
China has announced a unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of Switzerland, marking a significant enhancement in bilateral relations between the two nations. The announcement was made during talks on Monday between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd.
The new policy will allow Swiss nationals to enter the Chinese mainland without a visa, facilitating easier travel for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. In response, Switzerland has committed to providing more visa facilitation for Chinese citizens and Chinese enterprises investing in Switzerland.
“This move underscores the strong partnership between China and Switzerland,” stated Premier Li Qiang. “We are eager to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding.”
President Amherd welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the benefits for both countries. “Enhanced mobility will open new opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” she said.
The timing of this announcement is significant, as next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland. Both leaders expressed their commitment to celebrating this milestone by deepening bilateral relations and fostering closer connections between their peoples.
China and Switzerland have a history of robust economic and diplomatic engagement. Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the two nations have since developed strong ties in finance, innovation, and sustainable development.
The visa-free policy is expected to boost tourism and business travel, encouraging more Swiss citizens to explore opportunities in China. Similarly, the Swiss government’s commitment to facilitating visas for Chinese citizens is anticipated to support Chinese businesses and investors interested in Switzerland.
Analysts view this development as a positive step towards greater collaboration between China and Switzerland, contributing to regional stability and economic growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
