On March 5, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan met with Mr. Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, at Leinster House. The two sides engaged in a friendly exchange of views on further strengthening the relations between China and Ireland.

Ambassador Zhao extended a warm welcome to Minister Buttimer ahead of his official visit to China, scheduled with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Ambassador Zhao emphasized the strong momentum of China-Ireland relations. He noted that the visit of Taoiseach Micheál Martin to China earlier this year yielded significant and fruitful results, providing a clear roadmap for deepening bilateral ties in trade, culture, and education. The Ambassador also highlighted the recent, vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations held across Ireland, remarking that the active participation of both the local Irish community and the Chinese diaspora serves as a profound testament to the enduring bond and enthusiasm between the two peoples.

Minister Buttimer spoke highly of the longstanding ties between the two nations, citing the exemplary success of the sister-city relationship between his home city of Cork and Shanghai as a prime example of mutually beneficial cooperation. He expressed his keen anticipation for his mission to China later this month, emphasizing his commitment to promoting people-to-people exchanges, mutual understanding and learning, and to advance and deepen bilateral relations between China and Ireland.