On June 16, Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, Mr. Mao Jun, attended the inauguration ceremony of China Eastern Airlines' new direct route from Shanghai to Geneva. The event was also attended by H.E. Ambassador Chen Xu, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva; Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Ms. Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Finance of the Canton of Geneva; Mr. Christian Luscher, Chairman of Geneva Airport; Mr. Liu Tiexiang, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines; and representatives from Chinese and Swiss enterprises — totaling over one hundred guests.

In his speech, Mr. Mao Jun warmly congratulated the opening of the new route and stated that, over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland, the two countries have always upheld mutual trust and mutual benefit, with deepening economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. He emphasized that the new route offers a new travel option for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He welcomed Swiss friends to visit China more often, to witness its development firsthand, and to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.

State Councillor Nathalie Fontanet remarked that Geneva and Shanghai are both vital centers of economy and culture in their respective countries. He affirmed that the Geneva cantonal government will remain committed to promoting economic and cultural exchanges between Switzerland and China.