Ahead of President Xi Jinping's state visit to her country, Swiss Confederation President Doris Leuthard said both China and Switzerland believe openness, instead of closing doors, is a "shared value" of the two countries.

Swiss Confederation President Doris Leuthard. [Photo/China Daily]

In such spirits, Leuthard said the two leaders will explore deepening their free trade partnership by further lifting trade barriers, setting positive examples for other economies sticking to protectionism and isolationism.

She also said that both countries will sign several new agreements in various areas to deepen the countries' partnership during Xi's visit.

With 2017 being hailed as the Sino-Swiss year of tourism, she said Swiss tourism authorities will assist in attracting more Chinese tourists to Switzerland.