On 5-7 June, Member of CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, H.E. Mr. You Quan visited Ireland. During his visit, Mr. You met with H.E. Mr. Simon Coveney, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. Mr. Seán Ó Fearghaíl, An Ceann Comhairle, and representatives from the Chinese Community in Ireland. He also visited Shannon Free Zone and met with leadership of Shannon Group and County Clare.

At the meetings with Mr. Coveney and Mr. Ó Fearghaíl, Mr. You said the peoples of China and Ireland enjoy profound traditional friendship. In recent years, the relations and cooperation between China and Ireland enjoy a good and positive momentum in various fields including the high-level exchanges, economic and trade, people-to-people exchanges and the two countries have a clear channel in communications on international and regional issues. China is ready to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of China-Ireland diplomatic relations to work closely with the Irish side to push forward the China-Ireland Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation. China welcomes Ireland to join the Belt and Road cooperation and to attend the 2nd China International Import Expo. Mr. You said the Communist Party of China exchanges frequently with the political parties of Ireland and is ready to further enhance exchanges and mutual learning with them so as to facilitate to development of the bilateral relations.

Mr. Coveney and Mr. Ó Fearghaíl both expressed their esteem for China’s great development in various fields under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and emphasized that Ireland cherishes its traditional friendship with China. Ireland supports the Belt and Road construction and is ready to join hands with China to deepen the cooperation in fields of economic and trade, investments, education, tourism and so on. Ireland is committed to work together with China to uphold multilateralism and free trade. As a partner of China and member of EU, Ireland could be a gateway for the cooperation and exchanges between EU and China. The Irish political parties are also ready to strengthen exchanges and mutual understanding with the Communist Party of China.

At the meeting with representatives from the Chinese Community in Ireland, Mr. You expressed his expectation for them to abide by the Irish law and traditions, integrate with the local community and make efforts in promoting Sino-Irish friendship, the reunification of the motherland and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In visiting the Shannon Free Zone, Mr. You was briefed about its developments. Mr. You said, as the pioneer of Free Zone, Shannon Free Zone offers valuable experience for countries in the world including China. China is ready to enhance its cooperation and exchanges with Shannon Free Zone.

H.E. Mr. He Xiangdong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, accompanied Mr. You and his delegation during the visit.