On May 11, 2004, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral and China-EU relations as well as other issues of common interest.

Premier Wen made positive remarks on China-Ireland relations. He said bilateral relations have achieved significant development in recent years. The growth of bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been particularly dramatic with bilateral trade volume reaching US$2.34 billion last year, which was 8 times that of five years ago. Meanwhile, bilateral cooperation in science, technology and education has also enjoyed good momentum.

Premier Wen proposed a few suggestions on further boosting China-Ireland relations:

First, enhance mutual exchanges and expand political cooperation. The two sides should maintain the momentum of exchanges of top-level visits and increase political dialogues and consultations.

Second, broaden economic and trade channels and promote two-way investments. The two sides should identify the following fields as the areas for cooperation: software, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture and animal husbandry as well as construction industry

Third, expand high-tech cooperation and boost educational and cultural exchanges. Both sides should continue to carry out the framework for technical cooperation and encourage scientists and researchers to conduct two-way exchanges and to actively participate in cooperation projects within the framework of EU's plan. Efforts should be made to well organize the activities related to cultural festivals and institutions of higher education in the two countries are supported to conduct cooperation and expand exchanges.

Fourth, appropriately address differences. Due to different social systems, historical backgrounds, cultural traditions as well as levels of development, it is natural for the two countries to hold different points of view on some issues. The two sides should appropriately address differences through dialogues and consultations.

Ahern said Premier Wen's visit has fully demonstrated China's sincerity in and commitment to developing friendly relations with Ireland and the European Union. Ireland-China relations have been developing very smoothly in recent years. The "Asian Strategy" carried out by the Irish government has achieved obvious effects. Ireland will continue to firmly uphold the "one-China" policy and would like to make greater efforts to develop comprehensive relations with China. Ireland, which is holding the rotating presidency of the European Union, will actively push for an early EU's recognition of China as full market economy.

Premier Wen expressed his appreciations to Ireland for sticking to the one-China policy and made positive remarks on Ireland's efforts in developing China-EU relations as the rotating president of the European Union. He also briefed Mr. Ahern on the situation of China's economic development at the request of the latter.

Prior to the talks, Prime Minister Ahern held a ceremony in the Dublin Castle to welcome Premier Wen and his delegation to visit Ireland. Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers attended the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourist Visas for Chinese Tourism Groups to Ireland and Related Issues.