Swiss seek increased justice ties with China

Switzerland is seeking to increase cooperation with China on criminal law and the penal system following a visit to Beijing by Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf.

Human rights issues were also addressed in meetings with government ministers, according to a justice ministry statement.

Preparations are underway for a next meeting of the ongoing human rights dialogue between the two countries, it added.

Widmer-Schlumpf discussed efforts to combat organised crime, human trafficking and illegal migration as well as the exchange of experts on prison management, the ministry said.

During her five-day visit, which ended on Tuesday, Widmer-Schlumpf took part in a ceremony at the Swiss pavilion for next year's World Exhibition in Shanghai.

She met the deputy-mayor of Shanghai – the hub of Chinese-Swiss trade – where about 300 Swiss firms are represented.

swissinfo.ch with agencies