On the afternoon of January 14, 2024 local time, Primer Li Qiang of the State Council engaged in candid exchanges with President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere on a special train from Zurich to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

Noting that Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, Li Qiang said the two countries enjoy a long history of friendly cooperation. Switzerland not only boasts beautiful natural landscapes but also has a good ecological environment, leading innovation capability and high-quality "Made in Switzerland" products. At present, China is now advancing Chinese modernization across the board with high-quality development. China is ready to enhance exchanges and mutual learning with Switzerland, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and achieve more practical results. Amity between the people holds the key to state-to-state relations. China is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025 as an opportunity to enhance sub-national and people-to-people exchanges and further promote friendly relations between the two peoples and the friendship of the two countries.

Li Qiang pointed out that over the past 40 years or more, Swiss enterprises have deeply participated in China's reform and opening-up process, contributing to the economic and social development of China while achieving substantial benefits for themselves. The door of China will open still wider to the world. More Swiss enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in China.

Amherd welcomed Li Qiang's official visit to Switzerland and introduced to him the national conditions of Switzerland and the customs of various states along the way. Amherd said, the people of Switzerland and China harbor friendly feelings towards each other and the two countries have a long history of cooperation with many fruitful results. Many Swiss enterprises have achieved good performance in investment and development in China and are willing to further deepen their presence in the Chinese market. The Swiss side is willing to work together with the Chinese side to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.

The two sides had an exchange of views on scientific and technological innovation, green development, cultural tourism, and winter sports, among others, and agreed to promote cooperation in related fields.