China and Switzerland on Thursday expressed satisfaction with their bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

 

"Great achievements have been made in political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries," said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in a meeting with Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger.

 

Li, who is on a one-day visit to the Alpine country, said China attaches importance to its relations with Switzerland.

 

To keep the momentum of their cooperative relationship, the two countries should continue exchanges at various levels and in various fields, he said, adding that the two countries should also increase coordination and communication in international affairs.

 

Li also called for Swiss companies to involve more actively in China's economic development.

 

Leuenberger, for his part, hailed the close ties between the two countries.

 

Many Swiss cabinet ministers have visited China, and the two peoples have come closer through their exchanges in various fields, the president said.

 

He expressed hope that the two governments will make a comprehensive strategy about their future relationship so as to uplift their cooperation to a new level.

 

Li also held a meeting with his Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey later in the day.

 

The two ministers agreed to increase coordination in international and regional issues as well as to continue their dialog on such issues as human rights and the protection of intellectual property rights.

 

Calmy-Rey also reiterated that Switzerland sticks to one-China policy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2006)