BERN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Switzerland on Monday pledged to better develop their innovative strategic partnership and jointly oppose trade protectionism.

During talks between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Swiss counterpart Doris Leuthard, the two countries also agreed to align their respective development strategies and strengthen cooperation in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China.

MODEL OF COOPERATION

"The China-Switzerland relations have become a model of friendship and cooperation between countries that are different in social system, development stage and size," Xi said.

"We are willing to work with the Swiss side for an even better development of our ties," he said.

The president proposed that the two countries enhance cooperation and exchanges in a wide range of areas, including politics, trade, finance, digitalization, intelligent manufacturing, industrial capacity, culture and education.

Xi extended appreciation to the Swiss side over its participation in the founding of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and its support for the Belt and Road Initiative, which is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

The president said that China stands ready to discuss cooperation with Switzerland in infrastructure construction, insurance and other areas to jointly promote the initiative.

For her part, Leuthard said the two countries have maintained sound relations since they forged diplomatic ties, having similar viewpoints on many issues concerning international peace and development.

The Swiss side is willing to deepen cooperation with China in such areas as economy, trade, finance, innovation, culture and tourism.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen the alignment of "Made in China 2025" and Switzerland's Industry 4.0 strategies, and push for the upgrading of their bilateral free trade agreement that entered into force on July 1, 2014.

The two sides have also decided to jointly launch a China-Switzerland Year of Tourism in 2017, and enhance cooperation in winter sports by taking the opportunity of China hosting the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.