On December 9, 2014, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Michael Higgins of Ireland at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping happily recalled his visit to Ireland as Vice President of China in 2012. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Ireland for long respect each other, treat each other as equals, understand each other's development path and support each other on major issues, and bilateral friendly cooperation has constantly advanced. China-Ireland relations serve as a model of friendly co-existence between countries of different national conditions, cultures and social systems. China sticks to a peaceful development path, and advocates that all countries seek harmonious co-existence and common development regardless of diversified background. We would like to, together with Ireland, continuously respect, trust, benefit, learn from and help each other, so as to constantly cement and develop China-Ireland strategic reciprocal partnership.

Xi Jinping stressed that Ireland boasts unique advantage in information technology, pharmacy, bio-science and other fields, and good foundation in agriculture and husbandry. China now is advancing a development strategy driven by innovation, and speeding up urbanization and agricultural modernization, therefore, both sides could enhance cooperation. China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Ireland and participate in its airplane financing and leasing as well as wind power construction. Both China and Ireland enjoy time-honored history and splendid culture. Irish literature masters such as George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and William Butler Yeats are very popular in China. Both sides should facilitate people-to-people and cultural as well as personnel exchanges, and send more students to study in each other's country. China supports Chinese teaching in Ireland. China values the unique role of Ireland in the EU, and stands ready to join efforts with Ireland to earnestly push forward the four major partnerships of peace, growth, reform and civilization between China and the EU.

Michael Higgins expressed that Ireland and China have similar historical experiences and share identical or similar views on multiple major issues, and both peoples are good friends. Ireland appreciates China's time-honored history and culture, and admires China's economic and social achievements. China has successfully lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, which is a remarkable progress in human rights. They are full of confidence in China's peaceful development. The Chinese Dream proposed by President Xi Jinping is of great importance to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation among all countries as well as promoting peace and development in the world. Ireland is willing to join hands with China to address global challenges and realize the UN Millennium Development Goals. He brought heads of multiple government departments with him with an aim to strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as economy, science, technology, education and culture through the visit. Ireland and China enjoy time-honored cultural exchanges. And the thoughts of Oscar Wilde were deeply influenced by Lao Tsu of China. George Bernard Shaw visited China in the 1930s, which is a favorite tale in both countries till now. Ireland is willing to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with China and serve as a bridge linking Europe and China.

Following the talks, the two heads of state together witnessed the signing of cooperation agreement between National Natural Science Foundation of China and Science Foundation Ireland as well as cooperation documents in people-to-people and cultural, educational and other fields.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People for Michael Higgins. Xi Jinping's wife Mme. Peng Liyuan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Qiangba Puncog, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ma Peihua and others were present.