On the afternoon of August 13, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with President of the Swiss Confederation & Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs Doris Leuthard at the Great Hall of the People.

Leuthard conveyed sincere condolences to China over the heavy casualties caused by the series of natural disasters the country has suffered recently, expressing her nation's willingness to offer assistance, for which Hu expressed thanks.

Hu expressed welcome for Leuthard to visit China and attend the Swiss National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Hu said Switzerland is one of the first Western countries to recognize and forge diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. China-Switzerland relations have traversed through an extraordinary course and have become more mature since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago. Practice proves that it is a far-sighted decision of the leaders of the two countries to establish China-Switzerland diplomatic relations. Despite different historical and cultural traditions, economic development levels and social systems, there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the two countries and it is in the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples to develop sound and stable bilateral ties based on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference into each other’s internal affairs. It is also conducive to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development to continuously deepen bilateral dialogue, exchanges and cooperation. "Facing new opportunities, China-Switzerland relations are at a new starting point," said Hu. China is ready to work with Switzerland to sum up the past, forge ahead into the future and make joint efforts to deepen political trust and expand economic and trade cooperation. Hu also urged both sides to conduct financial dialogue, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and strengthen multilateral cooperation in a bid to lift bilateral ties to a higher level.

Leuthard said she was very glad to come to China for a visit and the Swiss National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo, hailing the Expo as a historic event. She fully agreed to President Hu’s proposals on further developing bilateral ties, saying that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Switzerland and China. Switzerland is one of the first Western countries to recognize and forge diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. With the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral ties have made substantial progress with frequent high-level visits and enhanced pragmatic cooperation, which conforms to the common interests of both countries. She hoped that both sides will deepen political trust through dialogue and reaffirmed her country’s adherence to the one-China policy. Switzerland recognized China's full market economy status in 2007. The two economies are highly complementary to each other. She hoped both sides will further optimize trade mix, deepen trade cooperation, launch financial dialogue and accelerate the Switzerland-China FTA building. She also urged both sides to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and boost cooperation on education, culture, environmental protection and tourism as well as in international issues.

Following the talks, the leaders of the two countries attended the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding on finishing the FTA feasibility study that was started in 2009.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Minister of Commerce Chen Deming attended the meeting.