On 20 June, the national flags of China and Ireland were raised at the landmark Convention Centre Dublin at the north bank of Liffey river. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ireland held a reception there celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland as well as the assumption of office by Chinese Ambassador Mr. He Xiangdong. About 400 guests attended the reception, including H.E. Mr. Charles Flanagan, Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr. Niall Burgess, Secretary General of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, representatives of various government departments, county and city mayors, Irish friends from all walks of life, Ambassadors of other countries to Ireland, as well as representatives of Chinese community.
In his speech, Ambassador He Xiangdong recalled important achievements of China-Ireland high-level exchanges and friendly cooperation in various fields since 1979, especially after the establishment of China-Ireland Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation. He stressed that China and Ireland have created a model for win-win cooperation and shared prosperity between countries.
Ambassador He said that the world is now undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with unilateralism, protectionism, economic hegemony and de-globalization on the rise. China and Ireland should join hands to further deepen political communication, enrich cooperation under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and enhance coordination in international and regional issues. Sharing opportunities and confronting challenges together, we could shape a more closely and friendly China-Ireland relations in the new era. China hopes that Ireland would be a window and a bridge linking China and Europe for cooperation and exchanges. Chinese side is ready to work closely with Irish friends for the ever-brighter future of the China-Ireland relations.
Minister Flanagan said that he is delighted to see relations between Ireland and China are as strong today as they have ever been. High-level exchanges are frequent. Mutual understanding and trust are deeper and deeper. Strong and continuous growth have achieved in exchanges between Ireland and China in a wide variety of sector, including trade, investment, technology, agriculture, education, finance, research and development, tourism and culture. China has become the fifth largest market of Ireland. Minister Flanagan said that the Irish side is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to further deepen friendship and push forward the practical cooperation between Ireland and China. The Minister announced that to further facilitate visits of Chinese citizens to Ireland, the Irish government will issue a 5-year multi-entry visa for the Chinese visitors with good track record of overseas travel from 1 July, 2019.
Ambassador He, Minister Flanagan, Secretary General Burgess and representative from An Post unveiled two commemorative first-day envelopes for the 40th anniversary of China-Ireland diplomatic relations co-published by China Post and An Post.
A picture show of the history of China-Ireland relations was presented at the reception. Chinese and Irish musicians and artists presented exquisite music and dance.