This combo photo created on Jan 1, 2024 shows Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) in Beijing, China on Oct 17, 2023 and then Swiss defense minister and current Swiss President Viola Amherd in Vienna, Austria on Jan 18, 2019. (PHOTOS / XINHUA / AP)

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Monday to Viola Amherd on her assuming the office of President of the Swiss Confederation.

Noting that the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership has maintained a sound momentum of development, Xi said in the message that under the cooperative spirit of "equality, innovation and mutual benefit", the two sides have promoted new progress in practical cooperation in various fields.

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Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Switzerland relations, and is ready to work together with Amherd to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and lead bilateral relations to a new level.