President marks 70 years of ties with nations

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's long-standing friendship with Switzerland and Liechtenstein on Monday as he exchanged congratulatory messages with leaders of the two countries in celebration of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with China.

In a message exchanged with Simonetta Sommaruga, president of the Swiss Confederation, Xi said that bilateral relations have forged ahead over the past 70 years, with Switzerland being one of the first Western countries to have established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

China and Switzerland have jointly cultivated a cooperative spirit featuring equality, innovation and win-win outcomes over the past 70 years, he said.

The two nations have supported each other and consolidated the bilateral friendship during their joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Xi underscored that he attaches great importance to Sino-Swiss relations, and is willing to work with Sommaruga to use the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to advance the bilateral innovative strategic partnership and usher in more benefits for the two nations and peoples.

Sommaruga said it was because of the long-term close friendship between the two nations that the countries have managed to jointly overcome difficulties in the face of the pandemic, adding that the Swiss government is willing to further deepen bilateral relations and mutual understanding.

In a message exchanged with Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois, Xi said the practice of China-Liechtenstein relations has well illustrated the important concept of international relations that all countries, big or small, are equal.

He expressed his willingness to work with Alois to use the 70th anniversary as a new starting point to jointly push for new progress in bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and peoples.

Alois said the two sides have conducted good cooperation and supported each other in multiple areas over the past 70 years, and the good bilateral friendship is especially precious during this challenging time.

Xinhua contributed to this story.