On January 9th, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan met with Mr. Gerard Keown, Political Director of Department of Foreign Affairs. They exchanged views on China-Ireland relations, China-EU relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Ambassador Zhao said that in 2024, China and Ireland jointly celebrated the 45th anniversary of China-Ireland relations, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries have flourished and achieved new development. Standing at a new starting point, China looks forward to strengthening communication, coordination and mutual understanding with Ireland on bilateral and multilateral affairs, and promoting bilateral relations to a new level.

Keown said that Ireland has always attached importance to China's role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, and is willing to deepen practical cooperation in various fields with China to jointly respond to global challenges.