Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is set to embark on an official visit to Japan and China next week, with a full agenda that includes strengthening bilateral ties, addressing economic issues,

and discussing key geopolitical developments.

The visit will begin in Japan, a “long-standing strategic partner of Switzerland in Asia,” particularly in areas such as trade, research, and innovation, according to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). On Tuesday, Cassis will officially inaugurate Switzerland Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. He’ll be joined by a delegation of Swiss scientists and business leaders to mark the occasion.

The following day, Cassis will travel to Tokyo for discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. Their talks will center on global challenges and joint efforts to enhance multilateral cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Cassis’s visit to China carries special significance as Switzerland celebrates the 75th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the country. On April 24, he will be in Beijing for meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with a focus on current geopolitical developments and shared international concerns. Cassis will also attend the China International Machine Tool Show (CIMT), where he will engage with leaders of Swiss machine tool companies.

The visit will conclude on April 25 in Shanghai, with a stop at Schindler, a key player in Swiss-Chinese economic relations. During his time in the city, Cassis will also meet members of the Swiss community. Photo by Chancellerie fédérale suisse / Stefano Spinelli, Wikimedia commons.