merrion street

Speaking in advance of a dinner held in honour of Vice-President of China Mr Xi Jinping in Dublin Castle this evening, Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed the importance of the Vice-President's visit:

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.

The Taoiseach spoke of the opportunities presented by Ireland's growing relationship with 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.

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

He said that both countries have much to offer each other in key sectors:

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.

Read the full text of the Taoiseach's remarks here.