Dublin, June 23rd—Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann of Ireland, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Buttimer welcomed Liu on behalf of the Oireachtas. He said, both Ireland and China have splendid culture and art. The two countries enjoy close cooperation in areas including economy, trade, science, education, and agriculture, as well as robust people-to-people and cultural exchanges and exchanges at local levels. The friendship between Ireland and China is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. The Oireachtas attaches great importance to developing relations with China and adheres to the one-China principle. Ireland speaks highly of China's important efforts and achievements in helping the development of Africa and other developing countries. He expressed the willingness to strengthen dialogue and communication with the Chinese side, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as parliament and political parties, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between Ireland and China for greater development.

Liu said, the 20th CPC National Congress charted the course for China's development at present and for a time to come. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, adhere to the fundamental national policy of opening up, and work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Liu said, China and Ireland should continue to carry out exchanges between legislatures and inter-party exchanges and cooperation, strengthen communication of concepts and policies, and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust. It is expected that the two sides will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, innovation, locality, culture, education, and people-to-people and cultural engagement, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change. The Chinese side attaches importance to Ireland's unique influence in the European Union, and is willing to work with the Irish side to promote the healthy development of China-EU relations.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

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