Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President of the Swiss Confederation

On April 29, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Ueli Maurer of the Swiss Confederation in Beijing.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This reflects the long-term strategic vision of the Swiss government and also the friendly feelings of the Swiss people towards the Chinese people. The establishment of the innovative strategic partnership between the two countries was the first time that China has established a strategic partnership marked by innovation with a foreign country.

During the talks, Xi Jinping also said that the China-Switzerland free trade agreement took the lead among European countries. We should make the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative a new highlight for China-Switzerland cooperation.

Ueli Maurer said that over the past 70 years, the two countries have conducted exchanges and mutual learning, and deepened mutual understanding, resulting in strong bilateral relations. Switzerland supports the Belt and Road Initiative and is committed to promoting the joint building of the initiative in Europe. Switzerland hopes to deepen its cooperation with China in trade, investment, and innovation within this framework. Switzerland also welcomes investment from Chinese companies and will never put restrictions on them.