DUBLIN, Feb 18 (NNN-XINHUA) – China is ready to work with Ireland, to enhance their mutually beneficial cooperation, making it bigger, stronger, deeper and more concrete, in order to achieve shared development and prosperity, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said here, yesterday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin.
He said, China-Ireland relations have continuously developed alongside China’s reform and opening-up process. The development of the Shannon Free Zone has served as a valuable reference for China, while China’s development has also, in return, brought benefits to Ireland, he stressed.
At present, China is committed to promoting broader and deeper reform across the board, advancing Chinese modernisation, and building a higher-standard open economy, which will bring new opportunities to all countries, including Ireland, Wang said.
China appreciates Ireland’s positive, pragmatic, and friendly policy towards China and stands ready to work with Ireland, to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, consolidate high-level mutual trust, and expand high-level cooperation, he said.
China seeks to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust, and properly manage differences with Ireland, Wang said, adding that, both sides can serve as a constructive force in the process of global multi-polarisation, making joint efforts to safeguard global peace, stability, and development.
Martin, for his part, stated that, Ireland and China enjoy a long-standing tradition of friendship, mutual respect and trust, and strong bilateral relations. He noted that, Chinese Premier, Li Qiang paid a successful visit to Ireland last year.
At a time when unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, Ireland is willing to work with China to uphold multilateralism, support free trade, safeguard the stability of industrial and supply chains, and commit to resolving differences and disputes through dialogue, Martin said.
He noted that, Ireland is willing to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.
During his visit, Wang also held talks with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris.– NNN-XINHUA
