Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Ueli Maurer of the Swiss Confederation

On April 29, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Ueli Maurer of the Swiss Confederation at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. 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. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations nearly 70 years ago, China-Switzerland relations have always been at the forefront of China-Europe relations. The establishment of the innovative strategic partnership between the two countries is the first time that China has established a strategic partnership marked by innovation with a foreign country. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Swiss side to deepen strategic cooperation.

Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides should adhere to the spirit of partnership based on mutual respect and trust, especially on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. The two sides should strengthen dialogue and exchanges at all levels and in all fields. We should carry forward the pioneering spirit. In the early stage of China's reform and opening up, Swiss companies were the first to take the lead. Now, Swiss companies have become the first beneficiaries of China's new round of opening up. The China-Switzerland free trade agreement takes the lead among European countries. We should make the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative a new highlight for China-Switzerland cooperation. We need to carry forward the spirit of win-win cooperation and firmly safeguard economic globalization and trade liberalization. We will continue to create an open and fair business environment for foreign companies, including Swiss companies. We should advocate the people-to-people exchange spirit of mutual learning and actively plan celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

Ueli Maurer congratulated on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, saying that over the past 70 years, the two countries have conducted exchanges and mutual learning and deepened mutual understanding, and bilateral relations have been developing well. Both the people of Switzerland and China are characterized by diligence, reliability and innovation. This is a solid foundation for the in-depth development of our relations. In 2017, President Xi Jinping visited Switzerland and delivered an important speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which is widely acclaimed by all so far. I deeply agree with President Xi Jinping’s important speech at the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative is a grand and peaceful initiative, linking countries from different regions, nationalities and cultures, which will vigorously promote the growth and prosperity of the world economy. Switzerland supports the Belt and Road Initiative and is committed to promoting the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe. Switzerland hopes to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment and innovation within this framework. Switzerland welcomes investment from Chinese companies and will never put restrictions on them. Switzerland is ready to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with China in winter sports and other fields.

After the talks, the two heads of state also jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Ueli Maurer at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wan Exiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Gao Yunlong and others attended the event.