MKsports Bernina Express travels along snowcovered mountains in Switzerland. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2024/2024-01-18/bb7fda40-1670-4464-9549-dc64edec806f.jpeg" />

The Bernina Express travels along snowcovered mountains in Switzerland. Photo: VCG

 

Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland Wang Shihting Photo: Courtesy of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland

Editor's Note:Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently paid an official visit to Switzerland at the invitation of President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd. When Global Times reporter Zhang Changyue (GT) had an exclusive interview with Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland Wang Shihting (Wang), the ambassador talked about the highlights and major achievements of Li's visit, the visit's impact on China-Switzerland relations and China-Europe relations, and the future potential areas of cooperation between China and Switzerland.

GT: How do you evaluate the influence of Li's visit on bilateral relations?

Wang:Li is the first Chinese premier to pay an official visit to Switzerland in 11 years. His visit marks the beginning of high-level exchanges between China and Europe in 2024 and is of great significance in enriching the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership and in promoting the stable development of China-Europe relations.

The Swiss side accorded Li a high-profile reception, fully demonstrating the Swiss Federal Government's high regard for the development of relations with China. Amherd personally traveled from the capital Bern to Zurich International Airport to welcome Li and accompanied him on a special train back to Bern. During the visit, Amherd held a grand welcome ceremony for Li. They together reviewed the guard of honor, held official talks with multiple federal councilors including Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss foreign minister, and Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.


GT: What were the highlights of Li's visit?

Wang:The three main highlights included deepened political mutual trust, enhanced economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

During the visit, Li and Amherd exchanged views and reached a broad consensus on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of concern. Their relaxed and candid exchanges on a special train from Zurich to Bern sent signals of strengthening bilateral high-level exchanges and deepening political mutual trust.

China-Switzerland economic and trade relations remain stable, and Switzerland was the first European continental country to sign a free trade agreement with China. During Li's visit, the two sides signed a joint statement on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Economy, Education, and Research of Switzerland. They also announced the completion of the joint feasibility study on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to support the early launch of formal FTA upgrade negotiations.

China also announced it would waive visa requirements for Swiss nationals while Switzerland said it will offer a streamlined visa process for Chinese citizens and companies, which is a new breakthrough in personnel exchanges. As the two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025, they agreed to take the anniversary as an opportunity to further promote cultural exchanges.