WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Vice President and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin in Washington on Wednesday to discuss trade tensions.

The State Department said the leaders discussed the "importance of a fair and balanced trade relationship that benefits the American people."

"They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation," it added.

Keller-Sutter wrote on X that they covered “bilateral cooperation, the tariff situation, and international issues.”

The talks come as Switzerland wants to avert a crippling 39% US tariff on exports, including watches, machinery and chocolate, set to take effect Thursday.