Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern, agreed on Tuesday to continue developing bilateral relations. 

Addressing a dinner hosted by Ahern in Dublin Castle, Wen said Sino-Irish relations have made substantive progress.

“Sino-Irish relations are part and parcel of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and we see Ireland as a trustworthy partner in the EU,” Wen said. “We appreciate Ireland’s upholding of the one-China policy and regard the efforts it has been making during its presidency of the European Council as positive for the advancement of China-EU relations.”

During the talks with Ahern, Wen proposed that the two countries maintain the momentum of high-level visits, strengthen political dialogues and consultations, and step up cooperation in software, telecommunications, construction services, agriculture and animal husbandry, and cultural and educational exchanges.

The Chinese premier said the two sides should address their differences through dialogues and consultations.

Ahern said that Wen’s visit fully reflects China’s sincere desire to develop friendly ties with Ireland and the EU. 

The Irish government will adhere to its one-China policy and stands ready to make more effort to develop its comprehensive relationship with China, Ahern said. 

He said Ireland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, will play an active role in pushing for an early EU recognition of China as full market economy.

Also on Tuesday, Wen and Ahern attended a ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding designating Ireland as an official destination for Chinese tour groups. 

On Wednesday, Wen is expected to attend a business breakfast and visit the headquarters of Iona Technologies, an Irish software company doing business in China. 

He will also meet with Irish President Mary McAleese before departing for Shannon, west Ireland, where he is scheduled to visit Shannon Development and the University of Limerick.

Wen arrived in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon. His current European tour, the first since he took office last year, has already taken him to Germany, Belgium, including the EU headquarters in Brussels, Italy and Britain. He is scheduled to leave Ireland for Beijing on Wednesday evening.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2004)