On March 18, 2019, Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended and addressed the national day reception held by the Irish Embassy in China.

Qin Gang said in his speech that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the Irish side, take this opportunity to further strengthen personnel exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding and trust so as to push for greater development of China-Ireland relations in the new era.

Qin Gang also exchanged views on such topics as China-Ireland relations with visiting Minister of Education and Skills Joe McHugh of Ireland and Irish Ambassador to China Eoin O'Leary.