merrion street

It is a pleasure for me, as Taoiseach, to welcome you, Vice President Xi, and your distinguished accompanying delegation to Dublin Castle.

Your visit to Ireland comes at an important stage in the development of relations between our two countries.

Although vastly different size and separated by a great distance we have much in common.

We both have a rich cultural heritage and a shared appreciation for what is good about our past and we know the power of tradition in music, in dance and in words and in society as a whole.

At the same time we both understand the need to reform and innovate as we move forward and just as China has transformed itself in its recent history, so too has Ireland.

We welcome the opportunities which our growing relationship with China presents. We welcome the growing people to people links in trade, education and tourism.

Our enterprises and institutions are building long term sustainable relationships to underpin those links. Ireland and China have much to offer each other in food and agriculture, in high technology research and in investment. We should make every effort to realise that potential.

Vice President Xi, this evening I look forward to opening a new chapter in the close and warm relationship between Ireland and China.

I look forward to the possibility of making a visit to China sometime soon, for what I hope will be the first of many visits which will contribute to building a deeper and wider relationship with your country.

Vice President may I ask that you convey my good wishes to Premier Wen Jiabao.

May I also propose a toast to you, to your delegation, to all here this evening and to the success of the special relationship between Ireland and China Ganbei.