Swiss, Chinese foreign ministers meet in Ticino to advance trade, cooperation talks

GENEVA

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis hosted his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Ticino, Switzerland on Friday, where the two held the fourth round of the Switzerland–China strategic dialogue to strengthen cooperation and update their decade-old free trade agreement.

The meeting followed their previous round of talks in Beijing in February. Cassis, on the US social media platform X, described the discussions as "frank and constructive," noting they focused on bilateral cooperation, the modernization of the free trade deal, and global stability.

According to a statement from the Swiss Foreign Ministry, the two sides "took a positive balance of bilateral relations" and agreed on measures to deepen political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation.

Both ministers welcomed the progress in negotiations to optimize the 2014 free trade agreement, aiming for a more comprehensive version that supports "open, inclusive and balanced globalization." They also discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as finance, human rights dialogue, environmental protection, green development, and artificial intelligence.

At the multilateral level, Switzerland and China reaffirmed their support for a rules-based international order and a UN-centered system. Bern also welcomed China's proposal to establish an International Organization for Mediation, noting Switzerland's experience in good offices and international mediation.

The strategic dialogue marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and serves as their highest consultation mechanism for structured exchanges on key bilateral and global issues.

The next round of talks will take place in China.