China, Switzerland mark 75 years with push to expand trade ties
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Keller-Sutter noted the frequency of recent high-level engagements between the two nations and welcomed the opportunity to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
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Karin Keller-Sutter, president of the Swiss Confederation, and Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Swiss Federal Council, meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva, Switzerland, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Xinhua on Sunday reported that senior officials from China and Switzerland reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation during a high-level meeting in Geneva. The talks focused on enhancing communication, defending free trade, and accelerating efforts to update the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.
Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng met with Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation, and Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Swiss Federal Council. During the meeting, He delivered a letter from Chinese Premier Li Qiang and conveyed greetings from the Chinese leadership.
President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter and Vice President Guy Parmelin met with visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva on Friday.https://t.co/ihQ1OzQkD0 pic.twitter.com/VGGGcZRIHr
— CCTV+ (@CCTV_Plus) May 11, 2025
Strategic Partnership
He Lifeng noted that since establishing diplomatic relations 75 years ago, ties between China and Switzerland have become increasingly mature and resilient. He said the two countries had achieved "growing economic complementarity and fruitful outcomes in trade and investment."
Amid global uncertainty, He called for joint efforts to tackle emerging challenges. "China and Switzerland should enhance communication, build consensus, and work together to address challenges," he said. "Both sides should uphold free trade and open markets, accelerate negotiations on upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement for substantive progress, and contribute to global peace, stability, and economic prosperity."
Cultural Diplomacy
Keller-Sutter noted the frequency of recent high-level engagements between the two nations and welcomed the opportunity to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. "Switzerland is ready to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to jointly make the Switzerland-China Year of Culture and Tourism a success," she said.
She also expressed Switzerland's intention to deepen cooperation with China and promote dialogue across various sectors.
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Trade Commitment
Vice President Parmelin reiterated Switzerland's backing for international cooperation and free trade. "Switzerland supports multilateralism and free trade, and is willing to work with China to expedite negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement to reach a more comprehensive and ambitious agreement at an early date, delivering greater benefits to businesses and the people of both countries," he said.
He added that Switzerland is committed to advancing its trade relationship with China and contributing to the security of global industrial and supply chains.
