On July 31, 2013, Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland Eamon Gilmore at the Great Hall of the People.

Yu Zhengsheng spoke positively of the political mutual trust between China and Ireland, as well as exchanges and cooperation in various fields. He pointed out that equality, mutual benefit and complementarity have featured China-Ireland relations and should be upheld and further developed to create conditions and opportunities for continuously enriching and deepening China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Yu Zhengsheng stressed that the new session of CPPCC will as always place importance on friendly relations with the Irish parliament. Hope both sides will maintain the momentum of exchanges, carry out exchanges and cooperation in various forms and actively explore more channels to further increase understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Gilmore agreed with Chairman Yu Zhengsheng on the positive comments on China-Ireland relations. He thanked the CPPCC for the long-time support for the development of bilateral relations. He stressed that Ireland adheres to the One-China policy, respects China's path of development and will continue to be committed to expanding and deepening bilateral practical cooperation as well as exchanges and learning from each other in all fields.