On June 22, 2019, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland.

Xi Jinping pointed out in the message that since the forging of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, the two countries have been adhering to the spirit of mutual respect, treating each other on an equal footing, mutual benefit and win-win results to push forward sound and stable development of the bilateral relations and scored fruitful achievements in exchanges and cooperation in various fields. President Michael D. Higgins paid a state visit to China in 2014, during which we conducted in-depth and friendly exchanges and mapped out a blueprint of China-Ireland relations. I attach great importance to the relations between China and Ireland and stand ready to make joint efforts with President Michael D. Higgins to lift the mutually beneficial strategic partnership to a new stage to benefit the two countries and peoples while taking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point.

Michael D. Higgins expressed in the message that since bilateral diplomatic relations were established four decades ago, bilateral relations have become even stronger as time goes by and practical cooperation in various fields has been increasingly deepened. The Irish side highly values developing relations with China and is willing to further explore potentials for practical cooperation, boost coordination on safeguarding multilateralism and other global affairs and promote Ireland-China relations toward further development.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland exchanged congratulatory messages. Li Keqiang said that the Chinese side, with the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, is ready to work with the Irish side to push the two countries' mutually beneficial strategic partnership and friendly cooperation to continuously move forward. Leo Varadkar said in the message that China's reform and opening up and achievements in development carry global significance. The Irish side is willing to continue to fully develop Ireland-China partnership based on mutual respect.