Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Guy Parmelin on his assuming presidency of the Swiss Confederation. Xi emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship between China and Switzerland, recalling his state visit to Switzerland in 2017 when both countries initiated a joint study to upgrade the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement. Under President Parmelin's leadership, negotiations on this upgrade have seen positive progress.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Xi highlighted the global context of rising unilateralism and protectionism, noting that the collaboration between China and Switzerland in supporting free trade exemplifies the high-level development of their bilateral relations. This partnership injects greater certainty and stability into global development and prosperity.

Xi also noted that 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership and coincide with the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. He described this timeline as a period ripe with opportunities for innovative cooperation between the two nations. Xi expressed his commitment to further developing China-Switzerland relations and working with President Parmelin to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, ultimately elevating bilateral relations to new heights for the benefit of both peoples.