Premier's visit 'milestone' for Sino-Swiss relations

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Switzerland will be "a milestone in the development of relations" between the two countries, said Swiss Ambassador to China Jacques de Watteville.

During his first overseas trip as premier, Li is paying official visits to India, Pakistan, Switzerland and Germany from May 19 to 27.

Premier Li's visit is linked with the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Switzerland, the ambassador said, adding that the agreement is "an important step in the development of bilateral relations."

In 2011, Switzerland became the first European country to start FTA negotiations with China.

According to China's Vice Commerce Minister Jiang Yaoping, China and Switzerland have concluded their ninth round of FTA talks and both hope to reach a mutually beneficial and high-quality agreement as soon as possible.

Ambassador de Watteville said the FTA with China "is of crucial importance."

"China is today the world's second economic power and the biggest market in the world. China is also today a global player and global power, and it has an important role to play not only in this part of the world, but globally," said the ambassador.

The conclusion of the FTA talks will certainly contribute to boosting trade relations and investment and opening new opportunities for businesses from both countries, as it will facilitate trade, reduce obstacles and simplify procedures, he said.

Since Switzerland recognized the People's Republic of China in the early 1950s, relations between the two countries have developed "strongly and broadly," according to the ambassador.

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and China have been "very good, broad and constructive," he said.