Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in New York on Tuesday that China stands ready to push relations with Switzerland to a new high by boosting political mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and strengthening consultation and collaboration in multilateral fields.

Switzerland's recognition earlier this year of China's status as a full market economy has created good conditions for stronger bilateral economic and trade ties, Yang said at a meeting with Micheline Calmy-Rey, president of the Swiss Confederation.

Calmy-Rey, who also serves as the foreign minister, said her country is determined to enhance dialogue with China and step up economic and trade cooperation and communication and coordination in international affairs.

The two also discussed other topics such as the Iranian nuclear issue.

At the start of their meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the two signed a memorandum on strengthening bilateral dialogue and cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2007)