China News Service, Beijing, February 7. On February 7, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, jointly held the third round of China-Switzerland Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Cassis in Beijing.
Wang Yi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 74 years ago, China-Switzerland relations have withstood the test of international ups and downs, maintained stability and growth, and explored a successful path of equal treatment, pioneering innovation, mutual benefit and win-win results, and have long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. It has exemplary significance. China is willing to work with Sweden, guided by the strategic outlines of the leaders of the two countries, to continue to carry forward the spirit of "dare to be the first" and open up new prospects for China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership.
Cassis said that he was very happy to visit China on the eve of the Chinese traditional festival Spring Festival and wished the Chinese people a happy New Year in the Year of the Dragon. Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize and develop relations with China. Switzerland firmly adheres to the one-China policy, maintains a positive attitude towards China, and maintains mutual understanding and candid communication with China. The differences between Switzerland and China do not affect bilateral cooperation. The relations between the two countries are solid and strong and maintain a good momentum of development. Sweden is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields and jointly promote the further development of Sweden-China innovative strategic partnership and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.
The two sides conducted in-depth communication and reached broad consensus around strategic mutual trust, pragmatic cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and multilateral collaboration.
The two sides will jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, respect the systems and development paths chosen by each other, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations.
The two sides will continue to make good use of multiple inter-governmental dialogue and cooperation mechanisms to deepen cooperation in finance, science and technology innovation, education, intellectual property, climate change response, green development, ice and snow sports, etc.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the completion of the joint feasibility study on upgrading the free trade agreement and are willing to formally launch upgrade negotiations as soon as possible. Wang Yi introduced China's positive measures to comprehensively promote Chinese-style modernization and promote high-level opening up, and hoped that Sweden would provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Cassis appreciated China's open spirit and said that Switzerland has always supported free trade and opposed protectionism.
The two sides will jointly prepare for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025 and the "China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism" series of activities to enhance people-to-people connectivity. Cassis spoke highly of China's visa-free treatment for Switzerland, saying that Switzerland warmly welcomes Chinese tourists and will provide more visa conveniences for Chinese citizens and Chinese companies investing in Switzerland.
Both sides will continue to support the core role of the United Nations in international affairs and further intensify multilateral communication and coordination. Sweden appreciates China's important role in international affairs and is willing to strengthen cooperation to jointly respond to global challenges. China appreciates and is happy to see Sweden continue to carry forward the "bridge-builder" spirit and is willing to work with Sweden to promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest. (over)