China would like to further Sino-Irish relations with joint efforts made by the two countries,said Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday.
He made the remarks when meeting with the Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen in Beijing on Wednesday.
Promoting close cooperation will be in the mutual interest of both countries, especially while the world situation remains complicated, Tang said.
The Sino-Irish relations have progressed smoothly over recent years and exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels have improved, with many achievements since Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern visited China in 1998, he said.
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's successful visit to Ireland last September gave a new impetus to cooperation between the two countries and bilateral ties are keeping up a good momentum, Tang said.
Cowen said the Irish government places great importance on its relations with China and has shaped an Asian Strategy stressing Irish-Chinese cooperation.
Ireland will expand its cooperation with China in politics, economics and trade, science and technology and culture and education while improving cooperation and coordination with the United Nations and in international affairs.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern such as the anti-terrorism issue.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2002)
