Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Doris Leuthard, president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 13, 2010. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

China and Switzerland on Friday agreed to start free trade agreement (FTA) talks, as the two states celebrate their 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Swiss counterpart, Doris Leuthard, witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding on finishing the FTA feasibility study that was started in 2009.

The two states will begin FTA talks as soon as possible, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

As one of the first Western countries to forge diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, Switzerland has become China's major trade partner in Europe.

"Facing new opportunities, China-Switzerland relations are at a new starting point," Hu told Leuthard during their 30-minute meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Hu hailed the development of bilateral relations and pledged to further expand political trust and trade and economic cooperation.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with Doris Leuthard, president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 13, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo also met with Leuthard Friday. He said China and Switzerland share broad common interests and that enhancing bilateral ties is the common desire of the two peoples.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, said the Chinese and Swiss economies are complementary and have great potential for cooperation.

He expressed hope the two nations can explore new ways to better combine Swiss technology with the Chinese market.

Leuthard congratulated China on its rapid development and said she is deeply impressed by China's successful hosting of the Shanghai World Expo.

Leuthard also conveyed her nation's condolences to President Hu Jintao over the series of natural disasters China has suffered recently.

Leuthard also said Switzerland will stick to the one-China policy.

In China for a working visit, Leuthard also said the two states should boost cooperation in finance, education, culture, environmental protection, tourism and in international affairs.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (3rd R) meets with Doris Leuthard (1st L), president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 13, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)