Vice premier's Switzerland trip fruitful

BEIJING: Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's fruitful trip to Switzerland and his attendance at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) have contributed to strengthening cooperation, mutual trust, mutual benefit and joint exploration of ways for post-crisis development, Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister He Yafei said Friday.

The vice-foreign minister said Li's trip, the first important overseas visit by a Chinese leader in 2010, came at a critical moment when the world economy is getting out of recession and into an unstable recovery as there are many uncertainties arising from outside.

In order to explore ways for post-crisis development, the international community is conducting extensive and in-depth discussions on issues such as the structural reform of global economic governance and economic growth patterns, he said.

The measures China has taken to deal with the international financial crisis have produced remarkable results, he said, adding that the country maintained steady and fast economic development and led the world in economic recovery, He said.

All parties involved have been paying close attention to China's positions and views regarding global governance, the reform of the international financial system and cooperation in tackling global challenges, He said.

In a matter of four days, Li made extensive contacts with people in various fields and expounded on China's relevant policies and views to promote inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation, which fully displays that China is a peace-loving and responsible country that seeks cooperation and development, he added.

PROMOTING SINO-SWISS COOPERATION

The year 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, and Li's visit unveiled the two countries' celebrations of the event, the vice-foreign minister noted.

During his trip in Switzerland, Li held talks with Swiss President Doris Leuthard. The two sides spoke positively of the development of the bilateral ties during the past 60 years and reached an important consensus on further promoting Sino-Swiss relations.

The two sides agreed to promote the stable development of bilateral ties and cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

The two leaders also agreed to further promote Sino-Swiss economic cooperation and push forward the feasibility study on a free trade deal and start negotiations on it as early as possible this year.

Li met with famed entrepreneurs and visited leading Swiss companies, sending to Swiss and European business communities a positive message of promoting cooperation to seek mutual benefit and win-win results. He offered concrete proposals on further cooperation in various fields including trade, investment and finance, which were warmly welcomed.

China and Switzerland also agreed to further promote cultural exchanges and reached extensive consensus on cooperation in various fields, including culture, education, science, technology and tourism.