国内英语新闻:China vows to lift Sino-Irish ties to new high

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Ireland to expand exchanges and cooperation, so to lift the relationship to a new high.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang made the remarks here on Wednesday when meeting with visiting Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin, according to a press release issued Thursday from the General Office of the State Council.

Li said Sino-Irish ties were developing steadily, as the two countries had witnessed close high-level contacts, and sound coordination on critical international and regional issues.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2010.

China hoped Ireland could maintain its constructive role in promoting Sino-EU relations, Li said, noting that China had always paid great attention to developing its relationship with the European Union.

China regards Ireland as a good friend and partner within the European Union, Li said.

Endorsing Li's views, Martin said Ireland was willing to make more efforts to advance ties between the two countries, and actively promote Sino-EU relations.

Since Ireland instituted an Asia strategy ten years ago, Ireland had considered China as an important cooperative partner, Martin said.

Martin is on an official visit to China from May 24-28 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.