On March 17th, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China congratulated H.E. Mr. Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day.

In the congratulatory message, President Xi extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to President Higgins, the government of Ireland and the Irish people. He said that standing at the new starting point of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Ireland, he is pleased to see the China-Ireland relationship enjoys good momentum and new opportunities.

President Xi said he set great store by the development of this relationship, and will work with President Higgins for further progress of China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation in the new era to deliver greater benefits to the two countries and peoples.