A delegation led by Luo Shugang, Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee of the National People’s Congress(NPC) of China, visited Ireland from November 18 to 20. In Dublin, the delegation met with Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, and Alan Kelly, Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. The two sides held in-depth discussions on deepening cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Ireland. Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan accompanied the delegation at the meetings.

Luo Shugang stated that, in recent years, cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have maintained a positive momentum through the joint efforts of both sides. Ireland’s Riverdance and rock music have become immensely popular among the Chinese people, while Dublin has hosted Chinese New Year celebrations for 18 consecutive years. China is willing to further strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies and in the fields of culture, education, science, and health, while continuously fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The Irish side welcomed the delegation’s visit, emphasized the importance it attaches to cultural exchanges with China, welcomed more Chinese tourists, and expressed its willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in areas such as environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage sites, film and media, and the integration of culture and tourism.