On May 17, 2013, President Xi Jinping met with Sean Barrett and Paddy Burke, Speakers of Dail Eireann, the House of Representatives, and Seanad Eireann, the Senate of Ireland, at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping recalled with delight his visit to Ireland in 2012. He said that although China and Ireland are far away from each other geographically and conditions are different, both countries share common aspirations and pursuit for world progress, national development and well-being of the people. Both countries adhere to the principles of seeking mutual trust through mutual respect, promoting mutual benefit through mutual trust and achieving win-win results through mutual benefit. Therefore, the bilateral relationship has always maintained steady and sound development, serving as an example for friendly coexistence between countries with different cultures and political systems. The establishment of China-Ireland mutually beneficial strategic partnership last year has especially enabled bilateral exchanges and cooperation to look on to a new broad prospects. The Chinese side wishes to work with the Irish side to boost inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary exchanges, to continuously enhance political mutual trust, to expand cooperation by making the best of complementary advantages, to actively implement the agreements reached by both sides, and to push the bilateral practical cooperation to a higher level, in an aim to bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

At the request, Xi Jinping also introduced the basic conditions and developments of China. He said that since China adopted a reform and opening-up policy, the country has achieved enormous achievements of development, most fundamentally because China has found a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We will adhere to such a correct path for development. The growth of China will offer a huge market and rare opportunities to all nations of the world, including Ireland, and will contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Barrett and Burke said that the delegation members have witnessed by their own eyes the modernization process in all parts of China and felt the positive mental outlook of the Chinese people. The Irish side expresses their admiration of China's great achievements since the country adopted the reform and opening-up policy. The Irish side expects to boost exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples and to work together with China to push forward bilateral relations.

Wang Chen, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, was present.