Xi arrives in Ireland for visit

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R, front) waves upon his arrival in Shannon, Ireland, Feb. 18, 2012. Xi kicked off his official visit to Ireland on Saturday as guest of Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

After concluding a five-day visit to the US, Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping arrived in Ireland Saturday, the second-leg of his ongoing three-nation tour.

Xi made the visit as guest of Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

"The main purpose of my visit is to deepen the traditional friendship between our two peoples and take bilateral relations and practical cooperation forward," Xi said in a written speech, delivered at the Shannon airport upon his arrival.

"Ireland has rich history and culture as well as amazing natural beauty. It is a success story of moving, in a short period of time, from an agro-pastoral economy to a knowledge economy," Xi said, adding that Ireland plays an active role in the European Union and international affairs.

Over the past 33 years since China and Ireland established diplomatic relations, Xi said, China-Ireland ties have progressed smoothly on the basis of mutual respect and equality, setting an example of friendly co-existence between countries different in size, social system and cultural traditions.

"China values its relations with Ireland and hopes to consolidate our traditional friendship, expand exchanges and cooperation in all fields and take our bilateral relations to a new level," he said.

During the stay, Xi will meet with Irish President Michael Higgins, hold talks with PM Kenny, and confer with other leaders of Ireland.

Xi's ongoing three-nation tour will also take him to Turkey.