On December 10, 2014, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Zhang Dejiang met with President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland at the Great Hall of the People.

Zhang Dejiang said that since the establishment of the mutually-beneficial strategic partnership between China and Ireland in 2012, cooperation in various fields has developed steadily, and the China-Ireland friendship has become the common wish and practical action of the two peoples. The two legislatures should deepen their friendly relations on the basis of the existing good cooperation, well implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Mr. President, strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding, expand the consensus of mutual respect, mutual benefits and win-win results, actively conduct exchanges of experience in legislation, governance and administration of state affairs, and other aspects, provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation in various fields, and constantly consolidate the social basis of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to promote the China-Ireland relationship for new development.

Higgins said that China has made great achievements in economic and social development. Ireland and China respect and trust each other. Ireland expects to enhance cooperation with China in various fields and deepen the good relationship between the two sides.

Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wang Chen attended the meeting.