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)
