Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived on Tuesday for an official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Upon his arrival at Zurich airport, Wen said in a written statement that he would like to use this opportunity to express the Chinese New Year greetings and best wishes to the Swiss people.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 59 years ago, bilateral relations have run smoothly. In recent years, leaders of the two countries have kept frequent contacts, economic and trade cooperation has been continuously expanded, and cultural and civil exchanges have been increased," he said.

Switzerland has become the 11th largest trading partner for China in Europe and the sixth largest source of investment from Europe for China, officials from China's Commerce Ministry said.

Last year, Swiss investment in China totaled US$240 million, and two-way trade amounted to US$11.2 billion, with Chinese export to Switzerland valued at US$3.9 billion and import from Switzerland at US$7.3 billion, according to the officials.

"When we recall the past and look forward to the future, we have full confidence regarding the prospect of the Chinese-Swiss relations," the Chinese premier said.

Wen said that during his visit he expected to exchange views with Swiss leaders on further development of bilateral relations as well international issues of common concern so as to deepen the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

It is Premier Wen's first visit to Switzerland since he assumed the post. He is scheduled to hold talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz and WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab.

At the annual WEF meeting in Davos, Wen will give a speech to elaborate on the measures China has taken to deal with the financial crisis.

Switzerland is the first leg of Wen's European tour, which will later take him to Germany, the European Union headquarters, Spain and Britain.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo has characterized Wen's tour as a "trip of confidence," saying it will set out China 's determination to stick to reform and opening up, boost economic development, deepen China-EU cooperation and join hands with the international community to tide over the financial crisis.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2009)