ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Tuesday for an official visit to Switzerland, and he will also attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Upon his arrival at the Zurich airport, Wen said in a written statement that he would like to use this opportunity to extend Chinese New Year greetings and best wishes to the Swiss people.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 59 years ago, bilateral ties have been developing smoothly," Wen said.

In recent years, leaders of the two countries have kept frequent contacts, economic and trade cooperation has been continuously expanded and cultural and civil exchanges have been increased, he said.

"When we review the past and look into the future, we have full confidence regarding the prospects of Chinese-Swiss relations," Wen said.

During his visit, the Chinese premier is expected to exchange views with Swiss leaders on further development of bilateral ties and on international issues of common concern, in efforts to deepen the friendly cooperation between the two countries, he said.

It is Wen's first visit to Switzerland since he assumed office as premier in 2003. He is scheduled to hold talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz and WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab.

At the annual WEF meeting in Davos, Wen will deliver a speech expounding on the measures China has adopted to tackle the current financial crisis.

Switzerland is the first leg of Wen's European tour, which will also take him to Germany, the European Union headquarters, Spain and Britain.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo has characterized Wen's tour as a "trip of confidence," saying it displays China's determination to stick to the policy of reform and opening up and its resolve to make all-out efforts to boost economic development. It will also help deepen China-EU cooperation and boost international confidence in weathering the financial crisis.