Chinese premier arrives in Switzerland for visit, Davos forum

Flags and logo of the World Economic Forum (WEF) are seen at the conference center in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 26, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Tuesday for an official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend the annual meeting of the WEF.(Xinhua Photo)

ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Tuesday for an official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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 global 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 set out China's determination to stick to the policy of reform and opening up, boost economic development, deepen China-EU cooperation and join hands with the international community to tide over the financial crisis.