TEA CHAT ON TRAIN
Accompanied by Leuthard, Xi traveled to Bern by a special train of the Swiss government. The two leaders had a brief talk while enjoying tea on the way to the capital.
While on the train, Xi hailed the China-Switzerland partnership as a paradigm of relations between countries of different sizes.
The Chinese leader also appreciated the years of commitment by Leuthard to deepening bilateral cooperation in all areas.
"During this visit, I would like to engage in in-depth talks with President Leuthard and other Swiss leaders, enrich our partnership, and boost our cooperation in all areas," Xi said.
He added that China, sharing similar views with Switzerland on many international issues, wants to join the European nation to enhance their coordination in international affairs.
Noting that China encourages more and more Chinese tourists to travel to Switzerland, Xi said China, which is to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, stands ready to promote cooperation with Switzerland on developing winter sports.
For her part, Leuthard thanked Xi for choosing her country as the destination of his first state visit in 2017, saying the decision reflects the importance China attaches to Switzerland.
Switzerland stands ready to push forward cooperation with China in various fields, said Leuthard.
China is an influential country in the world, said Leuthard, adding that the international community looks forward to hearing Xi's exposition of China's policies at the WEF as the world is facing many uncertainties right now.
During the chat, the two leaders also exchanged views on such issues as the Belt and Road Initiative and green development. They agreed to further boost the two countries' cooperation in science and technology, innovation, connectivity, infrastructure construction, clean energy and regional-level exchanges.
China and Switzerland have enjoyed long-term exchanges and cooperation. In 1950, Switzerland became one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the newly-founded People's Republic of China. At the start of this century, Switzerland was among the first European countries to recognize China's full market economy status.
In recent years, Switzerland became the first continental European country to conclude and implement a free trade agreement with China.
