In a significant diplomatic stride, China and Switzerland have expedited discussions to enhance their existing free trade agreement and streamline visa processes, according to reports from Chinese state media.
On Monday, Bern and Beijing reached a consensus to promptly initiate formal negotiations aimed at expanding their free trade agreement, which has been in effect since 2013. Notably, China has also committed to granting visa-free entry for Swiss citizens, marking a pivotal development in bilateral relations.
These breakthroughs materialized during the first high-level meeting between the two nations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Li Qiang led the Chinese delegation and received a warm welcome from Swiss President and Defense Minister Viola Amherd upon his arrival at Zurich airport.
The meeting commenced at the Lohn Estate near Bern, where Premier Li Qiang was accorded military honors—a distinguished reception reserved for the highest-ranking Chinese representative visiting Switzerland since President Xi Jinping's visit in 2017.
Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin participated in the talks alongside Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, the governor of the People's Bank of China, and other high-ranking officials. The discussions encompassed a spectrum of around 30 bilateral issues and current international affairs, as noted in a statement by the Swiss government.
In addition to trade matters, the two countries deliberated on the planned resumption of dialogue between their foreign ministries later this year. The dialogue will cover topics such as development cooperation and human rights.
China has held a pivotal role as Switzerland's most crucial trading partner in Asia since 2010 and stands as its third most significant trading partner globally, following the European Union and the United States.
Following a comprehensive study on advancing their free trade agreement, the two nations signed a joint declaration, signaling a crucial step towards potential negotiations. Further strategic talks on finance and energy, education policy, and consultations on U.N. Security Council affairs are anticipated before the year's end.
Of note, discussions included the possibility of Switzerland being included on the list of countries with residents benefiting from visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days. While the Swiss government did not provide specific details, Xinhua reported that China had committed to a unilateral visa-free policy for Switzerland, reciprocated by Switzerland facilitating visas for Chinese citizens and enterprises investing in the country.
Premier Li's visit coincided with heightened security in the Swiss capital, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also in attendance. Both leaders were slated to proceed from Bern to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, marking a continued engagement on the global economic stage.
