Chinese President Xi Jinping has formally extended congratulations to Guy Parmelin following his assumption of the Swiss Confederation presidency, emphasizing the robust trajectory of Sino-Swiss diplomatic relations. In his Thursday message, President Xi referenced his landmark 2017 state visit to Switzerland, during which both nations initiated a joint feasibility study for upgrading their existing Free Trade Agreement. Xi specifically acknowledged Parmelin’s instrumental role in advancing these negotiation processes.
The communication notably addressed contemporary global economic challenges, with Xi observing that amid rising unilateralism and protectionism worldwide, the mutual commitment between China and Switzerland to free trade principles serves as a stabilizing force for international development and prosperity.
This diplomatic exchange coincides with significant anniversaries: 2026 marks both the tenth anniversary of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership and the commencement of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which President Xi identified as presenting substantial opportunities for enhanced innovative collaboration between the two nations.
Reaffirming China’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties, Xi expressed his willingness to collaborate with President Parmelin to expand mutually beneficial cooperation frameworks, elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels, and generate increased benefits for both populations.
Guy Parmelin, aged 66, assumed the Swiss presidency following his December 10th parliamentary election, where he secured 203 votes out of 228 cast ballots. His political credentials include leadership of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research since 2019, service as 2025 Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, and a previous presidential term in 2021.
The Swiss presidential selection process involves annual election by parliament from among the seven Federal Council members, resulting in a one-year term where the president serves as primus inter pares while maintaining regular ministerial duties.