BERN, October 21. /TASS/. Switzerland is interested in developing and deepening strategic relations with Russia, speaker of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Valentina Matviyenko told reporters on Friday following meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister, Didier Burkhalter.

According to the senator, Switzerland adheres to a very balanced stance towards Russia, "even when speaking about sanctions." She noted that the Swiss minister "once again showed interest in developing and deepening relations with Russia as strategic relations. "This is Switzerland’s stance that has remained unchanged, and we appreciate very much both our bilateral cooperation and cooperation on the international agenda," she said.

Matviyenko added that the meeting lasted more than an hour. During it, Burkhalter came up with "a number of proposals that deserve to be considered by the Russian side." "After returning to Moscow, we will, naturally, brief the country’s leadership on these proposals," she said.