At the invitation of Mr. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC) of China, Mr. Sean O'Fearghail, Ceann Comhairle (chairman) of the Dail Eireann, lower house of the Irish parliament visited China from 24 to 29 April 2018.

During his visit, Mr. O'Fearghail held talks with Mr. Li Zhanshu, met with Mr. Wang Yang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Mr. Ji Bingxuan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC. He also visited Guangdong and Sichuan Province during his stay in China.

In talks with Sean O'Fearghail, Mr. Li Zhangshu introduced President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018 and China's new measures to comprehensively deepening the reform and opening-up, indicating that China is ready to make common efforts with Ireland to further enhance political mutual trust, take account of each other's core interests and major concerns, and make continuous progress in the China-Ireland Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation. Mr. Li said China hopes both sides can take the opportunity to further promote cooperation and create new growth points within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Mr. O'Fearghail said the Irish parliament supports mutually beneficial cooperation with China in different areas and is willing to enhance friendship with the NPC.

In Guangdong Province, O'Fearghail met with Ms. Li Yumei, Deputy Director of Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People's Congress. O'Fearghail also attended the launch of Science Gallery Dublin's exhibition ILLUSION in Guangdong Science Center, and visited Zhujiang-InBev International Beer Museum.

In Sichuan Province, Mr. O'Fearghail met with Mr. Ye Zhuang, Deputy Director of Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, and visited Planning Museum of Chengdu Science City, Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, Dujiangyan Panda Base, and several businesses, including BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., Dongfang Electric Corporation.

(Organised from news of Xinhua news agency and other official media. Photos from www.news.cn)