Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju said in Dublin Tuesday that China and Ireland should promote bilateral cooperation to benefit their people.

Huang made the remarks at separate meetings with Irish President Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

In his meeting with McAleese, Huang said Sino-Irish relations have been good and the two countries are implementing the agreement between their leaders on building closer bilateral relations.

The two countries have deepened mutual political trust and made substantial progress in their cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, education, science, technology, culture and health, noted Huang.

He said the Chinese side attaches importance to its relations with Ireland and his visit is aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation, discussing cooperation projects and learning Irish experience in economic and social development.

McAleese said the sound bilateral ties have shown that the sizes of different countries and their geographical distance can not hinder the development of their understanding and friendship.

She said the Irish people cherishes a deep friendship toward the Chinese people and the Irish side will continue to make efforts to develop bilateral relations and European Union-China relations.

In his meeting with Ahern, Huang pointed to the remarkable results of bilateral cooperation, saying that the development of the two countries has provided opportunities for their cooperation.

Ahern said Ireland and China are developing rapidly with increasing bilateral cooperation and trade, and Ireland, taking China as an emphasis of its "Asia strategy," will take measures to push forward bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Huang arrived in Dublin Tuesday for an official visit at the invitation of the Government of Ireland, which is the second leg of his four-nation tour.

He visited Luxembourg before arriving here and he is scheduled to visit Turkey and Egypt.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2004)