Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has arrived in Shannon, a scenic city in Ireland for a three-day visit.

In a written statement delivered at the airport, Xi Jinping said his visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations.

He added that over the past 33 years since China and Ireland established diplomatic ties relations have progressed smoothly on the basis of mutual respect setting an example of friendly co-existence between countries different in size social systems and cultural traditions.

Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with Irish President Michael Higgins and hold talks with Prime Minister Enda Kenny.