China and Switzerland have taken a significant step toward strengthening their relationship. On Monday and Tuesday, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with top Swiss officials to discuss enhancing their innovative strategic partnership.
Ding met with Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Finance, and held talks with Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025.
“Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China,” Ding said. He emphasized that their 75-year-long relationship exemplifies mutual respect and win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems, development stages, and sizes.
Ding recalled President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Switzerland in 2017, during which both nations reached important agreements that elevated their bilateral relations. He called for deepening political mutual trust, carrying forward the spirit of “equality, innovation, and win-win,” and pushing their partnership to new heights.
He highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation in areas like life sciences, artificial intelligence, and green technology. “We should foster new growth areas for practical cooperation,” Ding stated.
Keller-Sutter expressed Switzerland’s commitment to the friendship with China. “We are willing to work together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Switzerland-China Year of Culture and Tourism,” she said. Emphasizing the shared stance on free trade, she added, “The success story of the Switzerland-China free trade agreement shows that mutual benefit can be achieved through openness and cooperation.”
Parmelin noted the complementary economic advantages of both countries, pointing to great potential for collaboration in innovation, finance, higher education, and vocational training. “Switzerland is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral affairs and tackle global challenges together,” he said.
Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement, aiming for substantive results soon. They also emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges to enhance bilateral friendship.
This renewed commitment between China and Switzerland signals exciting developments ahead, especially for young people interested in international cooperation, innovation, and global development.
Reference(s):
China, Switzerland vow to further promote strategic partnership
cgtn.com
