Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang(R) shakes hands with President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard before their meeting in Bern, capital of Switzerland, on Jan. 26, 2010. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday met with Swiss President Doris Leuthard to discuss bilateral ties and measures against trade protectionism.

Li said the creation of a free trade area between the two countries is under discussion and serves as a concrete action for both sides to combat trade protectionism.

"Both sides should push forward the feasibility study on a free trade area, and be well prepared to start negotiations in 2010," Li said.

The creation of the free trade area is of great significance to bilateral ties and will be conducive to further promotion of bilateral trade and investment cooperation, he said.

China and Switzerland launched a feasibility study on a free trade agreement in November last year.

He noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, saying Switzerland was among the West European countries that were the first to recognize the People's Republic of China.

"We should stick to the principle of sincerity, mutual trust and friendly consultation, and seek common ground while reserving differences, in order to cement the political basis of bilateral ties," Li said.

For her part, Leuthard said Switzerland opposes any form of trade protectionism and expects more Chinese investment in the country and increased bilateral cooperation in such fields as technology and finance.