Wang: China, Switzerland should strengthen ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China and Switzerland should stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, respect each other's core interests, and continue setting an example of friendly cooperation between countries with different social systems, stages of development and sizes.

Wang made the remarks at a joint news conference with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Bellinzona in Switzerland, following the fourth round of the China-Switzerland Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue.

Wang said the dialogue produced positive outcomes, with both sides agreeing to strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and improve global governance.

Switzerland was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China and bilateral ties have long remained at the forefront of China-Europe relations, he said.

China appreciates Switzerland's firm commitment to the one-China policy, Wang said, expressing hope that the European country will continue to support the Chinese people's longstanding aspiration for national reunification.

Wang also noted that the two countries are accelerating efforts to upgrade their free trade agreement, with more products expected to be included in the zero-tariff category to better benefit businesses and consumers in both countries.

China is ready to work with Switzerland to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and green transition, he said, in order to generate more mutually beneficial, tangible and high-quality results.

At a time when Cold War mentality, power politics, and protectionism continue to linger, Wang said humanity once again "stands at a crossroads".

China stands ready to work with Switzerland to reject bloc confrontation and unilateral bullying, uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote a fairer and more equitable global governance system, he added.

The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in May marks an important step in strengthening global governance, Wang said, adding that China welcomes Switzerland's active participation and hopes it will draw on its unique strengths to help resolve disputes.

"Amity between nations lies in the affinity between their peoples," Wang said, adding that Beijing is ready to extend its unilateral visa-free policy for Swiss citizens and introduce further measures to facilitate travel to China.

He welcomed more Swiss friends to visit the country to experience a real, open, united, and dynamic China full of vitality and progress, and to work together for an even brighter future for bilateral ties.