China, Switzerland set example of friendly exchanges between countries: Chinese FM

BERN, Switzerland - Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said here that the relationship between China and Switzerland has set a good example of friendly exchanges between countries of different social systems, historical backgrounds and sizes.

Wang made the remarks when he co-chaired the second round of the China-Switzerland Foreign Minister's Strategic Dialogue with Ignazio Cassis, member of the Swiss Federal Council and Switzerland's foreign minister.

Wang said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Switzerland have, in a spirit of equality, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, established the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership, which has served as a model for friendly exchanges between countries with different systems and sizes.

The two sides should cherish their experience in the development of bilateral relations, adhere to mutual respect and care for each other's core interests and major concerns, as well as maintain the steady and sound development of bilateral relations, Wang added.

Wang also said that China and Switzerland should jointly plan and organize events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, continue their long friendship and consolidate the foundation of public support for the two countries.

The two sides should stay committed to win-win cooperation and strengthen cooperation in investment, science and technology, finance and other fields, Wang said.

Wang added that China and Switzerland should jointly uphold multilateralism, adhere to free trade, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, further open up their markets to each other and create a fair and open business environment for each other's companies to invest and do business.

For his part, Cassis said that Switzerland attaches great importance to the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with China, forming a high-quality partnership in jointly building the Belt and Road.

China is a major responsible country, and Switzerland is willing to work with China to uphold the multilateral international order with the United Nations at its core, and make more progress in the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common concern.