Chinese Vice Premier Meets Irish Prime Minister

Chinese Vice-Premier Meets Irish Prime Minister

Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing met on Wednesday with Irish Prime Minister Bertin Ahern and they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Li said he appreciates the Irish prime minister's efforts in promoting Sino-Irish relations. He said the development of bilateral ties was in a good momentum. The past years have witnessed the ever increasing bilateral economic cooperation, enhanced mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries as well as strengthened consultation and cooperation in international affairs.

Li, who arrived on Tuesday for a four-day official visit, said China appreciates the Irish government's position of upholding the One-China principle and supporting China's national unification cause.

The Chinese vice premier added that both countries should make further efforts to bring their potentials into full play, learn from each other's strong points and seek a comprehensive development of bilateral ties in various fields.

Ahern said further development of the existing good cooperative ties conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and the Irish government will exert its utmost efforts to push the development of bilateral ties to a higher level.