Today marks the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and China's traditional Mid-Autumn Festival as well. I would like to express my warmest greetings and best wishes to all the Chinese who are working, studying and living in Ireland and to all of our Irish friends.
Since the beginning of this year, an unprecedented pandemic has threatened the health and lives of all human-beings and interrupted the development of all countries. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China put people's lives and health first, united all our people together, and effectively curbed the spread of the virus. During the war against the pandemic, China received precious support from many friendly countries, including Ireland. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the people and the government of Ireland for your kind help. Now China has achieved decisive progress in controlling Covid-19 and reopening the economy, and we would like to work along with all countries, including Ireland, to achieve the final victory as we know that the health and prosperity of the Chinese people are closely winded together with people of the whole world.
Now the Chinese government is making the 14th Five-Year Plan for China’s social-economic development, which is an important blueprint for China’s reform and opening-up for the next 5 years. China will continue to pursue a higher level of opening-up, share more benefits and opportunities with the world, and contribute to global recovery.
A few days ago, President Xi Jinping delivered an important address at the UN General Assembly. President Xi reaffirmed that China’s firm commitment to support the United Nations, safeguard multilateralism, and build a community with a shared future for mankind with all the countries. President Xi also announced a host of major proposals and initiatives on tackling global challenges and promoting common development. I am confident that, united together, we will finally win the battle against the pandemic, overcome the recession, achieve closer and more fruitful cooperation, and contribute to a more promising international community with a shared future.
The China-Ireland relations and cooperation enjoy great advantages amid the challenge of the pandemic. Our shared task of economic recovery is the impetus for deepening of cooperation between our 2 countries. Our tested friendship during the pandemic creates a positive atmosphere for further expansion of our relations in many fields. China’s commitment to greater openness provides many more platforms and opportunities for our bilateral relations. Both of two countries strongly advocate multilateralism. Working together, we will bring a brighter future to our two peoples and the whole world.
Best wishes to the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,
to the further development of China-Ireland relations,
to the happiness and well-being of all of you and your families!