On September 25, 2006, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern met with Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, who is in Ireland for an official visit. Both sides exchanged views on pushing for bilateral ties and cooperation in a friendly and candid atmosphere, agreeing that the two countries should learn from each other and strive to set the Chinese-Irish friendly relationship as an example for ties between countries with different histories, cultures and social systems.

Zeng first conveyed the cordial greetings from Premier Wen Jiabao. The relations between China and Ireland have witnessed fruitful development in various fields and are currently at their most dynamic period in history, Zeng said. The two countries have maintained good political ties, exchanged frequent high-level visits, and strengthened cooperation on international and regional issues, he said.

Zeng also spoke highly of the Irish government's adherence to the one-China policy, and its support for lifting the EU arms embargo on China and recognizing China's full market economy status, as well as on the issue related to anti-dumping measures against Chinese exports.

China, which is implementing an opening-up strategy of mutual benefit, has been always keen to develop ties with Ireland, and is ready to strengthen political exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and increase personnel contacts with Ireland, Zeng said.

Zeng introduced China's efforts in building a state innovation system, raising innovative capacity of enterprises, and adjusting industrial structure, adding that China is willing to learn from Ireland's successful experiences in developing knowledge economy, and to upgrade and expand cooperation in various fields such as science and technology, education, and culture, particularly in the high and new tech field.

The Irish government values its relations with China and the two countries have achieved a lot in their cooperation in the areas of agriculture, trade, investment, education and tourism in the past few years, Ahern said. He also expressed the hope to further boost long-term stable ties between the two countries in the areas of politics, trade and culture on the existing basis.

On the same day, Zeng also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and representatives from overseas Chinese, Chinese-funded institutions and Chinese students. He also visited the Shannon Development area and related businesses in Limerick on September 24.