Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Irish counterpart, Brian Cowen, exchanged congratulatory messages on Tuesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

Li said in his letter that in the past 25 years, the two countries have made great progress in bilateral relations, deepened mutual political understanding and scored fruitful achievements in cooperation in various fields.

He also highly appraised Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's successful visit to Ireland. Li said he is confident that with the joint efforts, the Sino-Irish friendly relations will achieve greater development in the new century.

Cowen said in his letter that the Irish government will carry on its "Asia Strategy" with China at the center and push forward bilateral relations to a new level.

China and Ireland held receptions respectively in Beijing and Dublin to celebrate the 25th anniversary.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2004)