Beijing, November 11th—Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.

Lu spoke positively of China-Switzerland relations, saying that China-Switzerland relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with European countries. The launch of negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement between China and Switzerland is not only conducive to improving bilateral economic and trade cooperation, but also sends a positive signal to the world that the two countries support free trade and open cooperation under the current situation. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Swiss side to continuously deepen bilateral relations, strengthen inter-party exchanges and international coordination, and jointly strive for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a mutually beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Fasel said, recent years have witnessed sound development of Switzerland-China relations, frequent high-level visits and deepening cooperation in various fields. The Swiss side appreciates the important role played by the Chinese side in international affairs and is willing to further strengthen communication and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, firmly safeguard the international order based on international law, actively practice multilateralism, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, BRICS mechanism and other issues.