Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland, on Jan 17.

Li stated that in the 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland, bilateral relations have been healthy and stable. Especially in recent years, the China-Ireland partnership has deepened, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. China is willing to work with Ireland to carry forward friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and share development opportunities.

Li said that China is willing to work with Ireland to uphold mutual respect and trust, strive for common ground, deepen mutual understanding and support each other on major issues. Both sides should adhere to mutual benefits and regard each other as important partners. They should continue to expand trade, strengthen cooperation in green and low-carbon development, sustainable agriculture and finance and explore innovative cooperation in such sectors as digital economy, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence.

To facilitate the travel of people between the two countries, China will unilaterally grant visa-free treatment to Ireland, said Li. He said China hopes that Ireland will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Ireland within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, practise true multilateralism, jointly respond to global challenges and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. China hopes that Ireland will play a greater role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations, Li added.

Varadkar stated that China is an important partner for Ireland, and the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect and trust. Ireland appreciates the tremendous achievements in China's economic and social development, adheres to the one-China principle, and hopes that China will achieve peaceful reunification at an early date. Ireland is willing to expand mutual investment with China, strengthen cooperation in areas such as food, innovation and green development, and deepen cooperation in people-to-people exchange, education and culture. Varadkar said Ireland is willing to provide more convenience for Chinese citizens visiting Ireland and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Ireland.  

Before the talks, Varadkar held a grand welcome ceremony for Li. Li reviewed the Irish honor guard.