On February 11, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan presented his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. Following the ceremony, he inspected the Defense Forces Guard of Honor. The event was attended by Secretary General Orla O’Hanrahan, Minister of State Emer Higgins, and Minister Counselor Yang Tong of the Chinese Embassy.
Ambassador Zhao conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Higgins and the Irish people. He noted that, under the strategic guidance of both countries' leaders, China-Ireland relations have steadily advanced in recent years, yielding fruitful cooperation. He emphasized China’s commitment to national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization and reaffirmed Ireland’s role as an important partner, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties.
President Higgins asked Ambassador Zhao to extend his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. He fondly recalled hosting President Xi during his visit to Ireland in 2012 and his own state visit to China in 2014. President Higgins reiterated Ireland’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, upholding multilateralism, and fostering the continued growth of Ireland-China relations.
Ambassador Zhao arrived in Dublin on November 18, 2024, and presented a copy of his credentials the following day.