Beijing Reception Marks Sino-Swiss Diplomatic TiesThe Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Switzerland's embassy in Beijing held a reception Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Swiss diplomatic relations.Chinese Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao said at the reception that bilateral relations have stood the test of time and maintained a balanced and smooth development over the past five decades, adding that Chinese President Jiang Zemin's successful visit to Switzerland last year pushed forward bilateral ties. "China is ready to work with Switzerland to further promote bilateral relations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit in the 21st century," he said. President Adolf Ogi of the Swiss Confederation said on the occasion that China's achievements in the course of reform and opening-up have led its people to prosperity, adding that China is playing an increasingly important role in Asian and international affairs. Switzerland is the trustworthy friend of China, he said. Wen and Ogi presented certificates and prizes to winners of the French speech competition themed "Switzerland in My Eyes." Ogi left Beijing this afternoon for Shanghai to continue his China tour. |
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