Chinese President Meets President of Swiss Confederation

Jiang Meets President of Swiss Confederation

President Jiang Zemin said Tuesday he hopes that the bilateral negotiations between China and Switzerland on China's accession to the World Trade Organization will conclude soon.

In a meeting with President Adolf Ogi of the Swiss Confederation, Jiang thanked the Swiss government for its consistent support of China's WTO membership and expressed the hope that both sides would aim for a broader view of the situation and jointly create more favorable conditions for cooperation in the economic, trade, and financial sectors.

Ogi, accompanied by a group of businesspeople, said the Swiss Government would do its utmost to complete bilateral negotiations as soon as possible.

Jiang extended a warm welcome to Ogi, whose visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying that the bilateral ties between the two countries have witnessed overall progress in the past half a century.

Switzerland is one of the first western countries to recognize China, and both the Chinese Government and people highly appreciate this, Jiang said.

The Swiss Government's pursuit of the One-China principle and its position of not engaging in any official contact with Taiwan have laid a solid foundation for bilateral ties, he said, adding the frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries have also played a significant role.

Jiang said he was happy with the sound development of the bilateral relationship, saying he greatly appreciated the Swiss Government's efforts in pushing forward bilateral ties. He believed that Ogi's ongoing visit would help advance cooperation.

Ogi said he was pleased to visit China at this time of celebration. Switzerland is one of the first countries to recognize the new China, and facts have proven that the forging of diplomatic relations have brought about great benefits to the people of the two countries, he said. There's every reason to believe that the bilateral relations will be further developed in an all-round way in the new century, he stated.

Ogi said the fact that a large number of business people are accompanying him on the trip fully demonstrated the Swiss business circle's strong interest in investing in China and setting up joint ventures here.

The Swiss Government will continue its efforts to develop bilateral cooperation in the economic, trade, cultural, and other fields, he added.

Ogi arrived in Beijing Tuesday morning for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese Government.