Mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are valuable experiences for the long-term and stable development of China-Ireland relations, which both sides should jointly carry forward and promote, said Chinese President Xi Jinping when meeting with visiting Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing on Monday.
Martin arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon for an official visit to China, which marks the first visit by an Irish leader to China in 14 years.
Xi first extended his welcome to Martin for his visit to China at the beginning of a new year. "You are the first leader of a European country received by China in the new year, which reflects the high regard that both sides attach to China-Ireland relations. Though with different histories, cultures and national conditions, both China and Ireland love peace, are open and inclusive, and are self-reliant and enterprising. The peoples of the two countries won national independence and liberation through struggle and moved towards modernization through the continuous efforts of several generations. Mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are valuable experiences for the long-term and stable development of China-Ireland relations, which both sides should jointly carry forward and promote," Xi said.
Martin thanked Xi for the warm welcome.
"I acknowledge also this is the first visit of a European leader this year to China, and reflects the deep and long-standing relationship between our two countries. We recognize and acknowledge China's indispensable role in the world today, and the contribution you make to the United Nations, particularly in peace keeping. We all depend on each other, and I think if we can maintain that spirit into the future, our relationship would continue to grow, and would continue to strengthen," Martin said.
Respect, equality, mutual benefit valuable experience for China-Ireland ties: Xi
Respect, equality, mutual benefit valuable experience for China-Ireland ties: Xi
Respect, equality, mutual benefit valuable experience for China-Ireland ties: Xi
