(MENAFN) Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Ticino, Switzerland on Friday, conducting the fourth round of the Switzerland–China strategic dialogue aimed at boosting cooperation and updating their decade-old free trade agreement.

Following their previous discussions in Beijing this February, Cassis described the talks on the US social media platform X as "frank and constructive," emphasizing the focus on bilateral cooperation, modernizing the trade pact, and promoting global stability.

A statement from the Swiss Foreign Ministry highlighted that both parties "took a positive balance of bilateral relations" and agreed to enhance political, economic, scientific, and cultural collaboration.

The ministers expressed optimism over progress in renegotiating the 2014 free trade agreement, striving for a more comprehensive deal that champions "open, inclusive and balanced globalization." Discussions also covered expanding partnerships in finance, human rights dialogue, environmental protection, green development, and artificial intelligence.

On the global stage, Switzerland and China reaffirmed their commi
tment to a rules-based international order and a UN-centered system. Bern welcomed China’s proposal to establish an International Organization for Mediation, citing Switzerland’s expertise in good offices and international mediation.

This strategic dialogue coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and represents their highest-level framework for structured consultations on major bilateral and international issues.

The next dialogue session is scheduled to be held in China.

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