China and Switzerland vowed to work together to battle graft and corruption as top officials from the two countries met to beef up mutual cooperation in many sectors on Friday.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter during the latter's visit to Beijing.

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Both ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in several sectors such as the economy, innovation, global financial governance, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on graft and corruption, with Switzerland vowing not to give refuge to fleeing Chinese officials suspected of committing corruption in Beijing.

"We applaud Switzerland's position that it will not offer safe havens for fleeing corrupt officials," Wang said.

Wang noted that the two countries have jointly denounced the rampant corruption in the Chinese government and have vowed to rid the bureaucracy of thieves.

Part of the cooperation agreement between the two countries to deal with corruption suspects includes holding dialogues on anti-corruption efforts, strengthening Switzerland's cooperation in repatriating financial fugitives, and providing assistance to the justice system in criminal cases.

Wang added that the two sides also agreed to ride on Switzerland's strength in innovation, which he China said will help Beijing economic growth.

The two foreign ministers agreed to get involved more in regional and international affairs and strengthen coordination in counterterrorism and cybersecurity matters.

China has invited Switzerland to join the G20 summit that will be held in the eastern city of Hangzhou in September this year, Wang said.

Wang explained that China could use the help of Switzerland in the G20 preparation work on anti-corruption and finance. 

TagsSwiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, graft and corruption, bilateral cooperation, financial fugitives