Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan pledged on Monday to set the Irish-Chinese friendly relationship as an example for ties between countries with different histories, cultures and social systems.

 

The relations between China and Ireland have witnessed fruitful development in various fields and are currently at their most dynamic period in history, Zeng said in his talks with Ahern.

 

The two countries have maintained good political ties, exchanged frequent high-level visits, and strengthened cooperation on international and regional issues, he said.

 

China, which is implementing an opening-up strategy of mutual benefit, has been always keen to develop ties with Ireland, he said.

 

China is willing to learn from Ireland's successful experiences in developing knowledge economy, and to upgrade and expand cooperation in various fields such as science and technology, education, culture, and particularly in high-tech area, he said.

 

Zeng also spoke highly of the Irish government's adherence to the one-China policy, and its support for lifting the EU arms embargo on China and recognizing China's full market economy status.

 

The Irish government values its relations with China and the two countries have achieved a lot in their cooperation in the areas of agriculture, trade, investment, education and tourism, Ahern said.

 

He also expressed the hope to further boost long-term stable ties between the two countries in the areas of politics, trade and culture.

 

Ireland is the third leg of Zeng's four-nation tour, which has already brought him to Hungary and Belgium, and will take him to Norway on Tuesday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)