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Leuthard meets British and Dutch premiers

Swiss President Doris Leuthard has held bilateral talks with the British prime minister, David Cameron, and the head of the Netherlands government, Mark Rutte.

Both prime ministers were in the city on Thursday lobbying for their countries to host the World Cup in 2018. Belgium and the Netherlands had put in a joint bid.

In a statement, Leuthard’s ministry of environment, transport, energy and communication said her talks with Cameron had centred on finance and economic topics.

They discussed European political and international issues, the finance and economic situation, particularly of Europe, as well as the role of the G-20 countries and the International Monetary Fund in the building of a new financial system.

Switzerland and Britain signed a declaration in October to start negotiations on tax matters. Both sides were optimistic on Thursday that an early conclusion was possible.

Finance and economic issues were also high on the agenda in Leuthard’s talks with Rutte, the statement said. The two discussed cooperation in the areas of innovation and vocational training.

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