"The United States and Switzerland have decided to establish a Swiss-U.S.
Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum as we work to strengthen our already
close bilateral economic relationship. To build on the momentum created by our
intensive discussions over the past seven months, we will use this forum to
pursue initiatives in specific areas where we share mutual interests with a view
to concluding agreements or other arrangements that offer real opportunities for
workers, farmers, service providers, manufacturers and consumers in our two
countries. Our staffs will develop the details of this forum and an initial work
program in the coming weeks. We will review progress on the forum and the work
program by mid year.
"Our exploratory discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have
been very useful for both governments and provided the basis for the new
Swiss-U.S. Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum. Both countries remain
interested in a possible comprehensive free trade agreement and may resume
discussions at a later stage.
"The United States and Switzerland will continue their already close
cooperation in the World Trade Organization and other international
organizations."
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