China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Andrea Caroni, president of the Council of States of Switzerland, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland 75 years ago, the two countries have always adhered to equality, mutual respect and mutual success.
He called on the two sides to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further consolidate political mutual trust, seize cooperation opportunities, strengthen people-to-people ties and enhance multilateral coordination, to ensure that the China-Switzerland Innovative Strategic Partnership will lead to greater benefits to the two peoples.
The National Committee of the CPPCC is willing to contribute to the development of China-Switzerland relations, Wang added.
Caroni said he is pleased to visit China in this special year marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, adding that China's innovation capability and development achievements are impressive.
He said Switzerland adheres to the one-China policy, and hopes to deepen practical cooperation, accelerate negotiations on an upgrade of the free trade agreement, and jointly safeguard multilateralism as well as world peace and stability.
The Council of States of Switzerland is willing to enhance understanding of China and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations, he added.
China's top political advisor meets Swiss council of states president
China's top political advisor meets Swiss council of states president
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
