Swiss-China relations marked by mutual trust, dynamism(2)

China and Switzerland formally launched bilateral negotiations on a free trade agreement at the beginning of 2011.

Bilateral trade volume between the two countries reached 26.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2012. China is now Switzerland's largest trade partner in Asia, while Switzerland remains China's seventh largest trade partner in Europe.

The Swiss president said he and the Chinese premier are expected to have an extensive and in-depth exchange of views not only on bilateral issues but also on global issues like security and environment.

The two sides are also to ink a host of cooperative documents in various domains, he said.

"I am convinced that the visit will have a very positive and strong impact on our relations," he said.

Recalling his first trip to China as the defense minister in 2011, Maurer said China has been developing at a very fast speed, noting the Asian country has not only made achievements in economy, but also played an important role on the international arena.

China shoulders great responsibility at multilateral and global level, Maurer said.

"Switzerland has the privilege of being an interlocutor of China long time ago and it is only more willing to continue and deepen the exchanges with such a partner," he said.

Intergovernmental cooperation and economy will continue to be the foundation of the Switzerland-China ties, Maurer said.

Premier Li, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan following a trip to India, is expected to arrive in Switzerland on Thursday to continue his first overseas trip since assuming premiership in March. He will also visit Germany.