On October 21, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji who was in Seoul to attend the ASEM III met with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Premier Zhu said that Sino-Irish relations of friendly cooperation have been developing rapidly in all fields since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1979. China appreciates the facts that Ireland has been adhering to its position of One China, definitely backing China to realize national reunification through the policy of "One China, Two systems" and China's entry into the World Trade Organization. China is willing to make joint efforts with Ireland to actively develop friendly cooperation in all fields and to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

Ahern said he is satisfied with the rapid development of the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. He said that with the exchange of high-level visits in recent years, bilateral relations have been substantially promoted. He expressed thanks for China's attaching importance to developing cooperation with Ireland in trade and high-tech areas. The Irish government will continue to stick to its "One China" policy and strengthen cooperation with China in international affairs.