On the evening of June 18, 2009, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Irish Embassy in China co-hosted a reception in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ireland.

CPAFFC President Chen Haosu, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and Irish Ambassador to China Declan Kelleher attended the reception.

In his speech delivered at the reception, Chen said China and Ireland established diplomatic ties on June 22, 1979. Over the past 30 years, bilateral relations have been developing steadily with frequent high-level visits and deepening cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, culture, education and science and technology. China has become the largest trading partner of Ireland in Asia and their trade volume has increased from 5.15 million U.S. dollars in 1979 when the two forged diplomatic ties to 5.5 billion euros in 2008.

Chen said China attaches importance to developing friendly relations with Ireland and highly praises Ireland's efforts in pushing forward China-EU ties. In coping with the ongoing financial crisis, China is ready to join hands with the Irish side to promote stable development of both economies for the benefit the two peoples.

Declan Kelleher said in the past 30 years, Ireland-China relations have been developing smoothly. Both sides have undergone enormous economic and social changes and China has made unparalleled achievements in integrating itself into the world economy, which benefited the people across the world.

About 120 representatives from all walks of life of the two countries attended the reception.