On July 1, 2008, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo met with the visiting director for Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, who is here in China for the ASEM Senior Officials' Meeting and a departmental-level political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries. Both sides exchanged views on China-Ireland ties as well as international issues of common concern. They agreed to actively prepare next year's activities to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties and take this opportunity to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all areas, build up mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and push bilateral ties for greater progress.