Chinese, Irish Deputy PMs Discuss Relations

Chinese, Irish Deputy PMs Discuss Relations

Sino-Irish relations have been developing well, and China is confident of the growth of such relations.

Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing made the remarks in talks with Mary Harney, deputy prime minister and minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Friday.

Extending a welcome to Harney, who is on her first China visit, Li said that he believes that the visit will help promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, and help yield more results in bilateral cooperation.

He spoke highly of Sino-Irish relations, and appreciated the Irish government's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that two-way trade has increased sharply with trade volume in the first half of this year growing more than 100 percent over the same period last year.

"There exists broad prospect for trade relations," Li said.

He also pointed to the unique Irish economy and its advanced technology, and said that Ireland places great importance on education. It is possible, therefore, for the two countries to cooperate in such areas as education, high-tech and the economy.

An accord on scientific and technological cooperation to be signed during Harney's visit and some others the two countries are discussing will create even more favorable conditions for expanding bilateral cooperation in the years ahead, Li noted. Harney said that Ireland admires China's economic achievements, and places great importance on developing its relations with China, and is pleased to see substantial progress made in bilateral relations.

She said that she is leading a large business delegation this time, and the Irish business community has great interest in having high-tech cooperation with China, adding that broad prospect exists for such cooperation between the two countries.

Ireland firmly pursues the one-China policy, and will continue to do so in the future, the Irish deputy prime minister said, adding she hopes that the Chinese government will settle the Taiwan issue by applying the principle of "one country, two systems" as it has successfully done with Hong Kong and Macao.

Li also briefed Harney on China's development programs for its western regions, Tibet's economic progress and the freedom of religious beliefs in China.

After the talks, the two countries signed an accord on scientific and technological cooperation.

Harney, who arrived in Beijing Friday morning on a nine-day official visit to China, will also travel to Shanghai and Hong Kong.